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Stargazing Cabin with Black Wood Cladding and Natural Timber Elements

Author:
Honggi Lim
Stargazing Cabin with Black Wood Cladding and Natural Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Set against the backdrop of New Zealand's rolling hills, the cabin's black wood cladding and local timber structure create a private retreat that emphasizes outdoor living and stargazing through its thoughtfully designed skylight.
5 key facts about this project
01
Black wood cladding enhances the cabin's integration with the natural environment.
02
The design includes offset zones for distinct living and private areas.
03
Skylight enables direct stargazing from the interior space.
04
An outdoor hot tub is centrally positioned for privacy and landscape views.
05
Local timber is used as the primary structural element for sustainability.

The cabin is designed to embody the spirit of a journey, positioned in the rolling hills of New Zealand. It harmonizes with the landscape, creating a space where nature and living coexist. The structure serves as both a home and a retreat, rooted in the simplicity and beauty of its surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The design divides the cabin into two distinct zones. One zone includes the kitchen and living area, where large windows frame views of the hills. This section encourages social interaction and communal activities, making it a lively space for occupants. The other zone features a bedroom and bathroom, providing a private area that prioritizes comfort and tranquility.

Connection to Nature

A key feature of the cabin is the outdoor hot tub, positioned between the two zones. This thoughtful placement allows for privacy while keeping occupants connected to the landscape. Expansive decks extend from the openings of the cabin, removing the barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design invites nature into daily life.

Architectural Details

Attention is given to the skylight, which enhances the cabin's connection to the night sky. When the sun sets, the interior space transforms into a canvas for stargazing. This feature adds a unique aspect to the experience of being in the cabin, encouraging occupants to connect with the celestial world above.

Material Selection

The choice of materials is aimed at blending the cabin with its natural setting. The exterior features black wood roof cladding, which adds longevity and integrates with the landscape. Local timber serves as the main structural element, promoting sustainability through the use of materials sourced from the immediate area.

The integration of the hot tub and the surrounding decks creates a fluid transition between the inside and outside, enriching the experience of living in this unique environment.

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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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