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Panoramic Bathing Experience in a Compact Straw Bale Cabin

Author:
Paolo Montesanto
Panoramic Bathing Experience in a Compact Straw Bale Cabin

Project in-detail

Framed by panoramic views, the bathroom in this compact cabin utilizes straw bale construction and wooden elements to create a sustainable living space that emphasizes functionality and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabin features a large window in the bathroom for panoramic countryside views.
02
Straw bale construction enhances thermal insulation and sustainability.
03
A hidden kitchenette optimizes space without disrupting the layout.
04
A high-efficiency wood-burning stove provides effective heating during winter.
05
The design emphasizes multifunctionality, merging living and sleeping areas seamlessly.

The Made-In cabin combines function and comfort with a focus on sustainability. Located in a rural area, the design responds to the needs of modern living while maintaining a connection to the natural environment. Its compact shape allows for effective use of space, integrating both the living and sleeping areas into a unified layout.

Functional Layout

The design features a central space that merges sleeping and living areas, maximizing the available area. This approach creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it easy for occupants to feel at home. Adjacent to this central area are a hidden kitchenette and a bathroom, which enhance usability without detracting from the overall design.

Natural Materials

The cabin is built using wooden structures and straw bale construction, emphasizing the use of natural and local materials. Wooden components provide not only stability but also insulation, while straw bales serve as an effective thermal layer that helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Choosing these materials supports a low environmental impact and aligns with the commitment to sustainable living.

Resource Management

Incorporating efficient resource management systems, the cabin includes a grey water treatment system and solar panels on the roof. These features aim to reduce reliance on external resources and minimize the ecological footprint. A high-efficiency wood-burning stove further addresses heating needs, creating a comfortable environment throughout the year.

Design Detail

A notable aspect is the bathroom's design, which features a large window that frames views of the surrounding landscape. This detail enhances the bathing experience, allowing occupants to feel connected to the outdoors. The thoughtful combination of practical elements and an efficient layout contributes to a living space that respects and complements its natural surroundings.

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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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