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Local Wood Cabins with Photovoltaic Energy Features Integrated into the Landscape

Authors:
Roman jesus Cordero tovar, Izbeth katia Mendoza fragoso
Local Wood Cabins with Photovoltaic Energy Features Integrated into the Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with local wood and equipped with photovoltaic systems, these modular cabins adapt to diverse landscapes to provide sustainable, multi-functional living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Replicable unit design allows for various configurations tailored to site conditions.
02
Cabins are designed for multi-functional use, supporting diverse daily activities.
03
Local wood enhances structural integrity while promoting environmental connection.
04
Photovoltaic systems ensure cabins are self-sufficient for energy needs.
05
Strategic openings optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the interiors.

The Plug-In Cabins project presents a modular solution designed for various environments, focusing on flexibility and functionality. Located in diverse landscapes, these multi-purpose shelters act as modern retreats while drawing inspiration from traditional architecture. The design integrates with the natural surroundings, creating a strong relationship between human habitation and the environment.

Concept and Functionality
The project aims to create flexible living spaces that serve essential activities like cooking, resting, cleaning, and storage. Each cabin is organized within a compact area, ensuring a complete living experience without losing comfort. The arrangement of connected units encourages community interaction while allowing for personal privacy, providing a practical balance between shared spaces and individual retreat areas.

Adaptability and Arrangement Sets
The design employs a system-based approach that allows for various configurations, tailor-made to specific site conditions. This adaptability stems from using replicable design elements that can be positioned along pathways shaped by the landscape. The modular concept helps the cabins integrate into their environments, showing how multi-activity shelters can be designed in harmony with their surroundings.

Sustainability and Materiality
Sustainability is central to the project, highlighted by the choice of local wood for the cabin frames and coverings. This material offers stable structure while enhancing the connection to the environment. The design features solar panels to provide independent energy, alongside systems for water supply and sanitary treatment, which work to minimize the ecological impact of the cabins.

Interior Design and Layout
The interior is organized to support different activities, with specific areas designated for sleeping, socializing, and daily tasks. This layout encourages easy movement within the spaces, allowing occupants to transition from one activity to another smoothly. Natural light is brought in through well-placed openings, making the interiors feel warm and inviting. The design maintains its connection to the outside, creating an atmosphere that is both calm and comfortable.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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