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Reflective Facade and Honeycomb Geometry Create a Retreat in Nature

Authors:
Iyatunde Majekodunmi, Gina Nikbin, Milagros Oviedo
Reflective Facade and Honeycomb Geometry Create a Retreat in Nature

Project in-detail

A mirrored facade and honeycomb geometry define a secluded retreat that harmonizes with its natural surroundings while offering a tranquil space for relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored facade reflects the surrounding landscape for enhanced camouflage.
02
Honeycomb geometry is used throughout to define spaces and enhance functionality.
03
Distinct split-pitched roof design incorporates skylights for optimal natural light.
04
Indoor gardens are integrated to reinforce the connection between interior and nature.
05
The elevation change leads to a mezzanine level, creating varied spatial experiences.

CABIN KAWENA is designed as a retreat that focuses on connecting with nature. Located along the northeast to southeast axis, the cabin faces the Earth Energies Sanctuary, enhancing privacy while allowing a relationship with the landscape. The primary concept emphasizes integration, allowing the structure to blend into its surroundings and creating a peaceful experience for those inside.

Design Integration

The exterior features a mirrored facade that reflects the natural environment, making CABIN KAWENA blend in with its surroundings. This design allows the building to feel like a part of nature rather than an interruption. It invites visitors to experience the landscape while feeling slightly apart from the outside world, creating a sense of calm.

Spatial Configuration

Inside, CABIN KAWENA uses honeycomb geometry, visible in the walls, windows, and pathways. This pattern serves both as an aesthetic choice and a way to define different areas. The arrangement supports easy movement throughout the space, encouraging occupants to engage with the varying aspects of nature as they explore the interior.

Natural Light and Views

One of the cabin’s notable features is its split-pitched roof, which includes skylights that fill the interior with natural light. This design draws the outdoors into the living space, offering changing views that evolve throughout the day. As guests move through CABIN KAWENA, they encounter shifting landscapes framed by large windows, deepening their connection to the environment.

Environmental Sensitivity

Sustainability is an important part of CABIN KAWENA, with design elements aimed at maximizing natural airflow for ventilation. This thoughtful approach reduces the need for mechanical cooling and heating systems, aligning with the vision of a space that respects nature. Additional indoor gardens and hanging plants reinforce the blend between inside and outside, further enhancing the overall experience.

The spa bath area is carefully set within the honeycomb framework, providing an inviting space for relaxation. Occupants can enjoy a soothing soak while remaining connected to the natural world, which reflects the core idea of CABIN KAWENA’s design.

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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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