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Pyramidal Cabins Elevated On Stilts with Canvas Facades and Timber Cladding

Authors:
Macy LaPorte, Nicholas Leblanc, Abbi Kusch
Pyramidal Cabins Elevated On Stilts with Canvas Facades and Timber Cladding

Project in-detail

Elevated on stilts with a pyramidal form and clad in timber, these cabins utilize canvas facades to enhance environmental integration, providing a unique lodging experience for trekkers in a forested landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes land impact and promotes wildlife coexistence.
02
Modular assembly allows for quick setup and relocation of cabins.
03
Canvas facades enhance ventilation and connection to the natural environment.
04
Timber cladding incorporates local materials, reducing carbon footprint.
05
Pyramidal roofs facilitate rainwater runoff and snow load management.

# Amber Road Trekking Cabins: Architectural Design Report

## Project Overview

Located in a forested area typical of Northern Europe, the Amber Road Trekking Cabins project aims to provide a distinctive lodging experience for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The design of the cabins integrates modern architectural elements with traditional forms, offering a contemporary reinterpretation that aligns with the natural landscape.

## Architectural Form and Functional Design

The cabins feature a geometric form with sharp angles and pyramidal roofs, drawing inspiration from traditional church steeples and symbolizing a connection to nature. Elevated on stilts, the structures minimize their ecological footprint, enhancing views and interaction with the surrounding environment. The interior layout is engineered for efficient use of space, incorporating flexible sleeping arrangements and multifunctional areas. Modularity in design accommodates diverse group sizes, while dynamic facades allow adjustments for airflow and landscape views, fostering a close relationship between the occupants and the natural surroundings.

## Materiality and Sustainable Practices

Sustainable material choices are paramount in this project. The structural framework and cladding primarily utilize locally sourced wood, imparting warmth and harmony with the environment. Canvas elements are incorporated for their light transmission and ventilation qualities, while steel components ensure durability. The construction employs a "kit of parts" approach that promotes efficient assembly and disassembly, reducing time and costs associated with production. This method aligns with eco-tourism’s goals, facilitating easy relocation and minimal disruption to the landscape. Additionally, the engineered components are designed to minimize waste and support recycling at the end of their lifecycle, reflecting a commitment to ecological responsibility in architectural practices.

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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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