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Polycarbonate Façade and Timber Structure in a Flexible Jungle Retreat

Author:
Pengcheng Yang
Polycarbonate Façade and Timber Structure in a Flexible Jungle Retreat

Project in-detail

With a polycarbonate façade that immerses the interior in natural light and a timber structure designed for flexibility, the retreat offers a harmonious living experience deeply connected to its jungle environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The shelter features a flexible layout that expands with large openings on either side.
02
Natural light is maximized through a durable polycarbonate façade.
03
Timber construction emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
04
An open-air spa enhances the connection to the surrounding jungle.
05
Solar panels provide energy independence in a remote setting.

Jungle's End Shelter is located deep within a lush jungle environment, designed to encourage a close relationship between its residents and the natural surroundings. The shelter serves as a multifunctional living space that prioritizes openness and flexibility. Its overall design concept focuses on blending indoor life with the outdoors, allowing residents to experience the diverse sounds and sights of the forest.

Materials

The design features a transparent shed structure with a polycarbonate façade that lets in ample natural light while maintaining a strong connection to the landscape. This material enhances visibility to the outside while providing durability against the elements. The core of the shelter is constructed with eco-friendly timber, supporting the building's strength and longevity while adhering to sustainable design principles.

Spatial Flexibility

One of the notable features is the shelter's ability to adapt. When doors on both sides are opened, the living area can expand significantly, drawing in the surrounding jungle. This creates an inviting atmosphere where indoor and outdoor spaces feel interconnected. An open-air spa is included in the layout, adding to relaxation options while maintaining a firm connection to nature.

Natural Light and Sustainability

Natural light is central to the design, with the compact arrangement of rooms thoughtfully planned to maximize daylight. This creates an inviting and warm atmosphere, addressing essential living needs. Additional features include solar panels on the roof and a battery backup system, which reinforces energy independence and sustainability particularly needed in such a remote location.

Interior Adaptability

Inside, furniture is designed to be multifunctional, with pieces that can be folded and extended to support various activities. This attention to adaptable living recognizes the changing needs of daily life while maintaining simplicity. The arrangement ensures that the shelter is not only practical but also elegant in its design.

Large openings throughout the structure allow for forest views and fresh air, inviting the vibrant sounds of nature into the living space while maintaining comfort. The design encourages a deep connection with its environment, making each moment spent in the shelter an opportunity to appreciate the beauty around it.

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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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