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Suspended Shelter Crafted from Nylon and Steel for Forest Retreats

Authors:
Tatiana Estrina, Shengnan Gao
Suspended Shelter Crafted from Nylon and Steel for Forest Retreats

Project in-detail

Suspended between trees, this lightweight cabin constructed from nylon and steel provides a flexible and unobtrusive retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, merging seamlessly with its forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended design minimizes ground impact and promotes ecological sensitivity.
02
Nylon walls enable flexible reconfiguration for various outdoor conditions.
03
Tree-anchored structure allows for easy relocation to different sites.
04
Multi-level layout maximizes space utilization in a compact footprint.
05
Integrated natural light from polycarbonate roofing enhances user experience.

### Overview
The Amber Trekking Cabin is situated within a forested context, designed to enhance human engagement with the natural environment while maintaining ecological sensitivity. Its primary intent is to facilitate recreational and ecological functions, allowing users to experience the outdoors without compromising the integrity of the landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience
The spatial organization of the cabin is characterized by two levels. The upper level serves as the main living area, providing expansive views and flexible space for various activities. The open design, combined with differing ceiling heights, enhances both vertical and horizontal circulation, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the surrounding environment. The ground level is seamlessly integrated with the forest floor, offering areas for storage or additional utility as needed, further promoting adaptability in usage.

### Materiality and Environmental Interaction
The cabin's construction employs a variety of materials that serve functional and aesthetic purposes. Nylon fabric functions as an adjustable barrier for walls, doors, and windows, allowing for dynamic interaction with the environment. The structural frame is supported by wood, imparting warmth and a traditional aesthetic. Polycarbonate panels in the roof enable natural light ingress while allowing for stargazing. Steel cable supports elevate the structure, minimizing ground disturbance and maintaining a lightweight profile, while plywood decking provides a stable walking surface. This careful selection of materials not only enhances durability but also promotes a deeper relationship between the occupants and their surroundings, allowing for an immersive experience in the wilderness.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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