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Rainwater Collecting Cabins Constructed With Local Pine and Environmentally Sensitive Materials

Author:
Savine Abendroth
Rainwater Collecting Cabins Constructed With Local Pine and Environmentally Sensitive Materials

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced pine and designed to collect rainwater, these cabins seamlessly integrate into the forest environment, offering a sustainable retreat for quiet reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily from locally sourced pine, enhancing sustainability and reducing transportation impact.
02
Incorporates a rainwater collection system, optimizing water use within the cabins.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that improves structural integrity while blending with the forest canopy.
04
Uses charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance while providing aesthetic texture.
05
Large double glazing windows maximize natural light and frame views of the surrounding woodland.
The Scots Pine Cabins project exemplifies an architectural solution that integrates living spaces within a forested environment. Located in a dense Scots pine woodland, the design addresses both aesthetic appeal and functional requirements for retreat-style accommodations. The project seeks to create a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature, offering tranquil spaces for reflection and escape.

The cabins incorporate local materials to ensure a seamless connection with their surroundings while prioritizing sustainability. The structures are designed to respond to environmental factors, with features that promote energy efficiency and minimal ecological impact.

Unique Design Approaches

The architectural design of the Scots Pine Cabins employs forms that resemble the slender trunks of nearby trees. The elongated shapes enhance the visual cohesion with the landscape, while the angular roofs facilitate rainwater drainage and improve aerodynamics. This attention to form not only contributes to the aesthetic of the cabins but also functions to mitigate environmental concerns.

The use of natural wood fibers throughout the cabins exemplifies an important design choice. Sourced locally, these materials resonate with the forest environment while providing necessary thermal insulation. The structural system employs pine wood frames, reinforcing durability and coherence with the natural setting. The integration of double glass windows enhances energy efficiency, allowing natural light to penetrate while optimizing views of the surrounding forest.

Sustainability is a pivotal aspect of the project. The roofs are equipped with solar panels to harness renewable energy, reducing reliance on conventional power sources. A rainwater collection system built into the design promotes water conservation and supports the ecological framework of the site. These measures not only serve practical purposes but also align with the overarching mission to minimize the architectural footprint on the environment.

Material selection contributes significantly to the project’s identity. The combination of waterproof EPDM for roofing, stucco finishes, and the thoughtful application of wood lends the cabins both durability and aesthetic warmth. These materials together foster an inviting atmosphere, emphasizing functionality without sacrificing design integrity.

The interior spaces are organized to enhance the connection with the exterior while maintaining flexibility for user adaptation. Open floor plans allow for various configurations, accommodating different needs and experiences. Incorporation of tree trunks as structural elements within the interiors underscores the concept of unity with nature.

The Scots Pine Cabins are a testament to contemporary architectural practices that prioritize sustainability and natural integration. They provide valuable insights into how architecture can harmoniously coexist with the environment, serving as a model for future developments in similar contexts. For those interested in further exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shaped this project, a detailed presentation is available for review.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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