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Modular Cabin Constructed With Straw Bales and Treated Pine for Efficient Eco-Friendly Living

Author:
Namit Rajput
Modular Cabin Constructed With Straw Bales and Treated Pine for Efficient Eco-Friendly Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with straw bales and treated pine, this modular cabin maximizes energy efficiency and adaptability, serving as a sustainable retreat seamlessly integrated into its natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from modular components for easy transport and assembly.
02
Incorporates sustainable straw bales for insulation.
03
Features adjustable steel posts for stability on uneven terrain.
04
Utilizes acrylic panels to enhance natural light and visibility.
05
Design facilitates seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces.

## Project Overview
The modular cabin is designed to accommodate the needs of trekkers and visitors, emphasizing functionality and a connection to the natural environment. Located in a setting that varies from dense forests to coastal areas, the structure promotes flexibility and ease of assembly. The design features a 1:2 length-to-breadth ratio that optimizes spatial dynamics while maintaining a coherent visual language.

## Spatial Configuration
The cabin's layout features a strategic separation of public and private areas, ensuring a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Modularity is central to the design, allowing for effortless transport and assembly in diverse geographical contexts. The careful arrangement of windows and openings is aimed at maximizing natural light and facilitating cross-ventilation, creating a comfortable living environment.

## Material Selection
The construction utilizes a combination of modern and sustainable materials that enhance durability and environmental compatibility. Key materials include:

- **Treated Pine Wood**: Utilized for structural walls and flooring, providing both strength and aesthetic appeal.
- **Straw Bales**: Incorporated into wall sections, these provide insulation and contribute to the building's eco-friendly profile.
- **Mild Steel Sections**: Used in framing, ensuring robust structural support while remaining lightweight.
- **Acrylic Panels**: Employed in windows and ceiling modules, these facilitate transparency and light penetration while maintaining the integrity of the design.
- **Gravel/Sand**: Used as a foundation filler within floor modules, improving site adaptability.
- **Height Adjustable Steel Posts**: Fixed to wall bases, these enable stability on uneven terrains and enhance overall structural performance.

The integration of these materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and responsiveness to environmental conditions.

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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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