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Sustainable Retreat Featuring Zinc Roof and Plywood Structure Intertwined with Nature

Authors:
Peter li yang Wu, Megan wei ling Ting
Sustainable Retreat Featuring Zinc Roof and Plywood Structure Intertwined with Nature

Project in-detail

Constructed with locally sourced plywood and topped with a durable zinc roof, these cabins provide eco-friendly lodging that harmonizes with the forest landscape, catering to the needs of trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a combination of locally sourced plywood and a zinc roof for durability.
02
Large, double-glazed windows maximize natural light and views of the surrounding forest.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Insulated to maintain comfort year-round, addressing temperature variations effectively.
05
Communal spaces are integrated to foster social interaction among guests while preserving privacy.

### Overview

Situated in a dense forest, the Amber Road Trekking Cabins project is an environmentally conscious lodging initiative designed for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. By emphasizing a thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscape, the cabins provide a setting that encourages immersion in the natural environment while supporting sustainable practices.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The cabins feature a flexible and functional spatial layout that prioritizes efficiency and user experience. Internal spaces are designed to accommodate multiple activities, including communal areas for social interaction and designated storage for belongings. The design incorporates efficient circulation paths, enhancing accessibility while allowing for spontaneous use of various areas. Large windows and skylights have been strategically placed to optimize natural light, creating bright interiors that maintain connections to the surrounding forest.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materials selected for the construction reflect a commitment to sustainability and local context. The primary framework utilizes locally sourced wood for structural and aesthetic purposes, maximizing thermal performance. Additional elements include structural plywood for stability, a waterproof membrane to increase durability, and double-glazed windows to enhance energy efficiency while inviting outdoor views. A standing seam zinc roof ensures longevity against weather conditions, while stainless steel fixtures provide resilience. The careful choice of materials underscores an aim to minimize environmental impacts throughout the construction process.

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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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