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Reflective Glass Wall with Natural Wood and Stone Elements in a Forest Cabin

Author:
Andreas Amdahl
Reflective Glass Wall with Natural Wood and Stone Elements in a Forest Cabin

Project in-detail

A reflective glass wall and locally sourced wood combine to create a tranquil cabin that elevates meditation above the forest floor, fostering a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glass wall enhances light and views while maintaining privacy.
02
Elevated meditation space fosters a unique perspective among the treetops.
03
Large skylight directs natural light directly onto the podium area.
04
Use of locally sourced wood reinforces site-specific materiality.
05
Podium serves dual functions for meditation and practical applications.

The cabin is located in a forest clearing and is designed to immerse visitors in the natural surroundings. The layout makes use of the site’s slope, elevating the meditation area above ground. This positioning allows people to feel as if they are surrounded by trees rather than standing on solid ground. The primary goal is to create a tranquil environment that encourages contemplation and connection with nature.

Exterior Integration

The shape of the cabin resembles an object rather than a conventional building. Its exterior is made with reflective surfaces, allowing it to blend into the landscape. This design choice creates a sense of unity with nature, emphasizing that the structure complements rather than competes with its surroundings. The cabin is set up to enhance the feeling that one is part of the forest.

Interior Configuration

Inside, the design shifts towards natural elements, moving away from the camouflaged exterior. When entering the cabin, visitors experience an expanding space, culminating in a large glass wall that frames the trees outside. This feature not only lets in natural light but also deepens the connection to the immediate environment. Next to the glass wall is a podium, which serves two purposes: it can be used for meditation or for practical activities like working with flower essences. The podium receives direct sunlight from a large skylight positioned above it, emphasizing its importance in the design.

Material Choices

The structure uses locally sourced wood, reinforcing the connection to the site. Visible posts and beams add a rustic quality to the interior. The walls, floors, and ceilings are finished with light parquet, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each material element has been chosen to enhance the overall experience of being in a natural setting.

Construction Techniques

Simple construction methods support the project’s sustainable goals. Wood framing rests on a pier and beam foundation, reducing the need for large amounts of concrete. This approach makes the building lightweight and more adaptable to its environment. The cladding combines mirrors and two-way mirrors for the windows, allowing people inside to see outside while maintaining privacy.

The design includes a large skylight that bridges the indoor and outdoor spaces. It provides daylight during the day and allows the occupants to feel connected to the forest while using the podium. This aspect of the design promotes a sense of calm and a greater awareness of the surrounding nature.

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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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