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Maximizing Natural Light with Eco Cladding and Glass Elements in a Small Retreat

Authors:
Sebastian Ples, Mona Haraldsson
Maximizing Natural Light with Eco Cladding and Glass Elements in a Small Retreat

Project in-detail

With its eco cladding and expansive glass elements, this small cabin emphasizes energy efficiency and natural lighting, designed as a self-sufficient retreat for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features an overhead water tank integrated into the design.
02
Incorporates extensive use of glass to optimize natural lighting.
03
Utilizes eco-friendly wall cladding for enhanced hygiene.
04
Includes both an underground water tank and water pump for self-sufficiency.
05
Prioritizes natural ventilation throughout the living spaces.

The ATTEFALSHUS ECO CABIN is a contemporary retreat located in a scenic landscape, designed for sustainable living. It prioritizes self-sufficiency while creating a space that blends with its natural setting. The main idea revolves around using renewable resources effectively, making it a practical choice for modern living.

Design and Structure

The cabin features four distinct elevations, labeled A, B, C, and D. Each elevation plays a crucial role in allowing natural light to enter and providing views of the surrounding landscape. The design carefully considers how the building interacts with its environment, ensuring that it feels connected to the outdoors.

Sustainable Features

Key elements include solar panels dedicated to heating water and generating electricity. This system reduces dependence on traditional energy sources. Additionally, an overhead water tank and a water pump support the cabin's self-sustaining nature, ensuring a steady water supply for everyday use.

Interior Layout

Inside, the layout promotes natural ventilation and efficient use of space. The ground floor includes a living room of 13.425 square meters, a bathroom measuring 2.624 square meters, and two bedrooms of 6.474 square meters and 12.126 square meters. This arrangement creates a balanced environment, combining areas for social interaction with tranquil spaces for rest.

Material Considerations

The cabin’s wall cladding is designed to be eco-friendly and hygienic, underlining the importance of materials in sustainable design. Glass is used strategically to enhance natural light and provide a sense of openness. This choice enriches the interior experience, allowing occupants to feel connected to the natural surroundings.

The design incorporates practical features that allow for comfortable living while remaining in tune with ecological principles, enabling occupants to engage with nature in an inviting and meaningful way.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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