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Sustainable Greywood Cabins Integrated with Water Gardens for Communal Retreats

Authors:
Estelle Desallais, Paule Perron, Lina Jaïdi
Sustainable Greywood Cabins Integrated with Water Gardens for Communal Retreats

Project in-detail

Characterized by its sustainable greywood construction and integrated water gardens, the design creates an immersive communal retreat that harmonizes living spaces with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with eco-certified greywood, enhancing durability and aesthetic integration with the environment.
02
Water gardens effectively treat greywater while providing a tranquil outdoor setting.
03
Utilizes expanded cork insulation for superior energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
04
Large, strategically placed windows create unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
05
The design incorporates a communal restaurant positioned among mature oak trees to foster social interaction.

## Overview

Located in the Latvian forest, the Cabin Fever project emphasizes the relationship between human habitation and the natural environment. The design prioritizes sustainability and aims to create a holistic living space that incorporates eco-friendly materials, fostering an awareness of the surrounding landscape.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The layout consists of several elements including multiple cabins, a communal restaurant, a spa, and water gardens. Each structure is strategically positioned to enhance views and provide access to outdoor spaces, promoting community interaction while ensuring privacy. The decentralized arrangement allows for an organic flow between buildings and nature, facilitating a communal experience without sacrificing individual retreat spaces. Public areas such as the restaurant and spa are distinctly separated from the private cabins, allowing residents to engage in communal activities while still enjoying moments of solitude.

## Material and Environmental Integration

The design utilizes eco-certified grey wood for cladding, providing an aesthetic that harmonizes with its surroundings. The structure incorporates insulated wood framing and large windows that maximize natural light and offer expansive views, effectively blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. Concrete is employed in structural and water treatment elements for durability, while systems for greywater and rainwater filtration are implemented as part of the water recycling strategy. The incorporation of passive solar heating and cooling reflects the commitment to environmental sustainability, enhancing overall thermal efficiency in a manner that aligns with local ecological contexts.

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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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