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Rammed Earth Walls and Operable Facades Enhance a Sustainable Retreat in the Landscape

Author:
Joshua Marks
Rammed Earth Walls and Operable Facades Enhance a Sustainable Retreat in the Landscape

Project in-detail

Constructed with rammed earth walls and black oxide steel, the retreat integrates operable facades that create a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape, serving as a tranquil space for respite and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from local materials, enhancing sustainability and reducing transportation impact.
02
The cabin features operable facades that allow for continuous weather interaction and natural ventilation.
03
Rammed earth walls provide excellent thermal mass, promoting energy efficiency and comfort.
04
The design includes a dedicated outdoor meeting deck, fostering community engagement in a natural setting.
05
Charred wooden shingles offer both aesthetic appeal and increased durability against weathering.
Cabin for Two is an architectural project situated at coordinates 37.27 degrees south, designed to create a harmonious relationship between its occupants and the natural landscape. This residential structure redefines the traditional cabin concept by integrating modern materials with elements of vernacular architecture. The design aims to serve as both a functional dwelling and a reflective retreat, encouraging a deeper connection with the surrounding environment.

The project features a layout organized into key functional areas: an entrance, dining space, dwelling area, resting spaces, and two outdoor decks, one for living and one for gathering. Each area is purposefully designed to facilitate interactions, both within the cabin and with the outside landscape.

Materiality plays a significant role in the project's architecture. The shell functions as the exterior protective layer, while the husk serves as the breathable outer skin of the cabin. Essential structural components such as the fin and spine contribute to both aesthetics and functionality. The use of 10mm Black Oxide Oil Finished Steel Flitch and rammed earth walls exemplifies the commitment to durability while maintaining a tactile connection to the ground.

Unique Design Approaches

Cabin for Two departs from conventional cabin designs by emphasizing the experience of occupying the space. Fully operable facades allow for optimal ventilation and an unobstructed sensory experience of the natural environment. This design strategy blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living, creating an immersive atmosphere that encourages occupants to engage with seasonal changes.

The cabin's roof is intentionally sloped, optimizing natural light and managing rainwater effectively while minimizing the need for artificial climate control. This climate-responsive approach promotes energy efficiency. The ergonomic organization of spaces facilitates a flow that aligns with the occupants' daily activities, enhancing comfort without compromising simplicity.

Architectural Elements and Functionality

The cabin's architectural elements support its intended functions. The entrance provides a transitional zone to experience both indoor comfort and outdoor expansiveness. The dining area integrates culinary practices with scenic vistas, while the living and resting spaces are designed for relaxation and reflection. The Meeting Deck and Living Deck serve as extensions of these internal spaces, offering outdoor environments for gathering and leisure.

The careful selection of materials, such as rammed earth that connects to the site's geology, reinforces the cabin's groundedness in its surroundings. The cabin's structural features, including the spine acting as a thermal regulator, highlight the thoughtful engineering that ensures durability and resilience against environmental factors.

Cabin for Two exemplifies a contemporary approach to architecture that focuses on functionality through a minimalist lens, fostering a meaningful interaction with nature. For a more comprehensive understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into its architectural innovations and methodologies.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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