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Round Timber Retreat with Expansive Glass Views

Authors:
Polina Minina, Nastia Minina
Round Timber Retreat with Expansive Glass Views

Project in-detail

With its round shape and ample glass surfaces, the cabin integrates seamlessly into the natural environment, offering panoramic views while serving as a comfortable retreat for relaxation and social gathering.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located in a pristine natural environment with minimal disruption to the landscape.
02
Rounded shape maximizes panoramic visibility from all interior spaces.
03
No interior doors create a fluid and open spatial experience.
04
Deck area features a hot tub for outdoor relaxation and enjoyment.
05
Sustainability is enhanced through the use of solar panels on the roof.

Situated in a beautiful natural environment, the cabin design emphasizes harmony with the landscape. It functions as a retreat for both rest and social interaction. The overall concept is to maintain a strong connection to nature while offering a comfortable space for occupants.

Conceptual Design

The choice of rounded shapes over traditional angular ones enhances visual flow. Nearly 360 degrees of visibility allows enjoyment of the surrounding landscape from almost any point inside. The absence of interior doors encourages free movement throughout the cabin. This design choice fosters a strong connection with nature and creates an open, welcoming atmosphere.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the spaces are carefully arranged to serve multiple purposes. There is a bedroom with a bathroom, a combined living area and kitchen, and a terrace where visitors can relax in a hot tub. Each area is designed for comfort and utility, whether for quiet reflection or lively gatherings. This thoughtful layout encourages both privacy and community among occupants.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability plays an important role in design decisions. Solar panels installed on the roof allow the cabin to function with minimal environmental impact. With a circular base measuring 10 meters in diameter and a platform of 13 meters, the structure stands out without overwhelming the landscape. The roof extends to 26 meters, providing ample protection and creating a distinctive outline against the natural backdrop.

Materiality

The materials chosen for the cabin are glass and wood. Glass is used to maximize natural light and maintain clear views, reinforcing the relationship between the inside and outside. Wood adds warmth and a tactile element, creating a comfortable atmosphere that invites people to feel at home in the space.

The circular terrace wraps around the cabin, offering a space for occupants to engage with the outdoors. From here, they can take in the changing colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset, connecting more deeply with 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

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