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Suspended Living in Marine Plywood with Natural Light Emphasis

Author:
Alvaro rodrigo Rojas vio
Suspended Living in Marine Plywood with Natural Light Emphasis

Project in-detail

Supported by steel cables, the suspended bedroom of this compact cabin enhances the use of natural light while innovative marine plywood construction promotes a playful and adaptable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The main bedroom is suspended by steel cables, creating a unique sense of elevation.
02
The cabin features an adaptable terrace, providing outdoor leisure space.
03
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed large windows.
04
An integrated cellar allows for efficient storage and utility management.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems are incorporated to enhance sustainability.

The Yacht House is a small cabin designed to emphasize efficient living while maintaining a strong connection to nature. Its overall concept focuses on creating a space that is both functional and adaptable, allowing people to engage with their environment in a playful way. The project showcases how limited square footage can be used thoughtfully to support essential daily activities.

Spatial Organization

The Yacht House features a well-considered layout that is organized across two levels. Public and private areas are separated, contributing to a balanced living experience. Five main spaces define the cabin: a living-kitchen area that includes a folding bed and a sliding door, a bathroom with distinct areas for a shower, sink, and toilet, a cellar for storage and utility, a terrace for outdoor relaxation, and a main bedroom supported by steel cables. This arrangement allows for versatile use of space, catering to various needs.

User Experience

The design provides an expansive feeling despite its compact size. With a total area of 18m² and a foot print of 9m², it meets essential living requirements such as sleeping, cooking, and personal hygiene without creating a cramped atmosphere. The layout encourages movement, allowing occupants to flow easily between spaces. Large windows admit natural light, changing the mood of the interior throughout the day and enhancing the overall experience of the home.

Sustainability Features

The Yacht House incorporates sustainable design strategies through its passive features. Cross ventilation is optimized, and thoughtfully placed windows help maintain thermal comfort. The design considers solar orientation to collect warmth in winter months, and systems are in place for rainwater collection to promote environmental responsibility. The possibility of adding solar panels reflects a practical approach to energy use.

Material Considerations

Materials chosen for the cabin include impregnated wood for durability, paired with concrete for structural support. Both inner and outer surfaces are lined with in-situ grooved marine plywood, which not only adds a unique aesthetic but also durability. The combination of these materials supports the design goals of efficiency and resilience in this small living space.

Natural light plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of the Yacht House. As the sun moves across the sky, it creates dynamic patterns within the space, enhancing both the visual experience and daily life for its inhabitants.

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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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