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Open Dome Cabin with Tatami Floors and Rainwater Harvesting

Author:
Tove Ekström
Open Dome Cabin with Tatami Floors and Rainwater Harvesting

Project in-detail

Elevated on thin legs, the cabin's open dome and tatami floors create a harmonious connection to its natural surroundings while incorporating rainwater harvesting for enhanced sustainability, serving as a tranquil retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure minimizes ground disturbance and ecological impact.
02
Open dome ceiling optimizes natural light throughout the cabin.
03
Tatami mats promote a traditional aesthetic and comfort.
04
Narrow windows provide privacy while framing surrounding views.
05
Rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable living practices.

The green cabin is located in a calm valley that emphasizes its relationship with nature. It serves as a place for relaxation and reflection, designed to connect visitors with their surroundings. Careful planning ensures minimal disturbance to the landscape, reflecting an approach that values both the environment and user comfort.

Spatial Configuration

Upon entering, the cabin reveals an interior highlighted by an open dome ceiling, which allows natural light to fill the space. This feature creates a bright atmosphere, inviting guests to appreciate the views outside. A narrow window at eye level runs along the walls, providing visual access to the landscape while ensuring privacy. The design focuses on seating areas, which encourage relaxation and contemplation within the space.

Materiality and Aesthetic

Tatami mats cover the floor, adding a traditional touch that complements the overall look and feel of the cabin. The layout allows visitors to open large wooden doors, merging the indoor space with the outdoor deck. This design blurs the lines between inside and outside, promoting a sense of openness and connection with nature. The deck acts as an extension of the cabin, enhancing the surrounding views.

Sustainability Features

A commitment to sustainability is evident through several carefully chosen systems. A solar chimney helps bring natural light into the cabin, keeping the interior bright throughout the day. Rainwater is collected for practical use in handwashing and gardening. The fresh air ventilation system pulls in cooler air from below, creating a comfortable environment without relying on mechanical systems.

Design Details

The outdoor deck is thoughtfully arranged, offering a variety of seating options that accommodate both sun and shade. The layout of the cabins allows for communal interaction while still providing the option for privacy. By opening the wooden doors, visitors can create sheltered outdoor areas for quiet reflection. This attention to detail helps foster a deeper connection to the tranquil landscape surrounding the cabin.

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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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