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Natural Formations Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber and Wood Shingles

Authors:
Jaakko Torvinen, Jori Uusitalo
Natural Formations Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber and Wood Shingles

Project in-detail

Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber and traditional wood shingles, the design embodies natural formations inspired by geological features while providing a contemplative residential space that emphasizes environmental integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber for durability and insulation.
02
Traditional wood shingles provide a natural aesthetic and local compatibility.
03
The design features an organic form inspired by geological boulders.
04
A steel foundation allows adaptability across varied terrains.
05
Interior spaces highlight natural light, enhancing the occupant experience.

Amber Cave is an architectural design that emphasizes a strong connection to the natural environment. Influenced by the shapes and formations created by water over time, the project aims to harmonize with its setting while providing a meaningful space for occupants. The overall concept reflects a deep appreciation of geological forms, translating them into a modern structure that focuses on both aesthetics and practical use.

Design Concept

The form of Amber Cave is inspired by boulders and the unique shapes of amber. This results in a curvy and organic silhouette that stands apart from traditional buildings. The design encourages a relationship between the structure and its surroundings, allowing occupants to feel engaged with the landscape. It aims to create a sense of place that resonates with nature.

Material Selection

Traditional wood shingles cover the exterior of the building, providing protection while maintaining a natural look. This choice helps the structure blend with its surroundings and offers warmth to the design. Inside, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) layers are used, contributing to the building's durability. These wood layers also create a sense of texture that aligns with the design’s overall theme of nature.

Structural Integrity

A steel foundation supports Amber Cave, making it adaptable for various terrains. This choice ensures the building is both stable and functional, regardless of its location. The combination of wood and steel reflects modern practices that focus on sustainable and resilient construction.

The thoughtful interplay of natural forms and contemporary methods is clear in the design's focus on light and space. Interior areas are crafted to enhance natural light, creating a dynamic atmosphere that echoes the beauty of the landscape outside. The careful arrangement of features invites exploration, making each visit a new experience.

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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
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