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Mezzanine Cabin with Bio Digester and Full-Glazed Windows

Authors:
Kusum Sukhwani, Aman Gupta, Sanskriti Dogra, Udit Nyati
Mezzanine Cabin with Bio Digester and Full-Glazed Windows

Project in-detail

A cabin with a mezzanine and full-glazed windows utilizes a bio digester to ensure sustainability while providing a comfortable retreat for travelers in the Latvian landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A bio digester is integrated to manage waste and enhance energy efficiency.
02
Full-glazed windows provide unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
03
The cabin includes a distinctive mezzanine that adds height and interest.
04
An underfloor heating system ensures comfort throughout colder months.
05
Outdoor spaces feature decks designed for both socialization and solitude.

The design project located in Latvia is a modern interpretation of traditional architecture that functions as a traveler’s home. Situated in a landscape of farmland, the cabin is intended to create a sense of connection with the local culture. The design thoughtfully blends contemporary elements with the essence of Latvian vernacular architecture, encouraging a strong relationship between the building and its surroundings.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the cabin features a clear layout that separates public, private, and semi-public spaces around a central core. This arrangement allows for both social interaction and private moments, catering to the different needs of residents. A mezzanine within the core adds height and volume to the space, enhancing the overall experience and creating a distinctive shape that draws influence from nature.

Natural Light and Transparency

The use of full-glazed windows is a key aspect of the design. These windows maximize natural light while providing views of the open landscape. This transparency creates an inviting atmosphere, helping to blur the lines between the interior and exterior. Sunlight sweeps through the spaces, changing throughout the day and shifting the mood inside the cabin.

Sustainable Practices

The project emphasizes sustainability through various techniques. An underfloor heating system ensures warmth throughout the chilly months, while a bio digester effectively manages waste. These features enhance energy efficiency and reduce the cabin's environmental footprint. Materials like UV toughened glass, wood fiber insulation, and CLT panels were selected to support the building's performance and durability.



Outdoor Connection

Outdoor areas extend the living space, with decks and open zones for gathering or finding solitude. These additions encourage residents to engage with the natural environment, allowing them to savor the beauty of their surroundings. Attention to these details reinforces the idea that the building exists in harmony with nature, resulting in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

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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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