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Timber Cabin Integrating Double-Glazing for Year-Round Comfort

Author:
Anjali Arun
Timber Cabin Integrating Double-Glazing for Year-Round Comfort

Project in-detail

A cabin equipped with double-glazing and thermal insulation that utilizes natural snow as a insulating layer provides an energy-efficient environment for yoga and reflection in harmony with its surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabin uses snow on the roof for thermal insulation.
02
Double-glazing minimizes energy loss while maximizing sunlight.
03
Elevated bed design enhances ground floor circulation.
04
Full-height sliding doors facilitate cross-ventilation.
05
Photovoltaic cells support sustainable energy usage.

The cabin is designed to promote self-reflection and a strong connection with nature. Located in a serene landscape, it encourages activities such as yoga and meditation. The design emphasizes functionality while drawing inspiration from themes of personal exploration. Adaptability to local climate conditions ensures that the cabin remains usable throughout the year, enhancing its relationship with the environment.

Integration with Nature
The design incorporates natural elements effectively. A fireplace serves as the main heat source during winter months, while snow that accumulates on the roof provides insulation. Double-glazed glass reduces heat loss in winter and limits heat gain in summer, reflecting a focus on energy efficiency.



Energy Conservation Techniques
This approach employs practical energy conservation strategies that enhance comfort for occupants. Heat is harnessed through double-glazed glass, where it is absorbed by a surface located behind the chimney. Hot air rises and escapes through louvres at the chimney's top, while cooler air enters through floor-level vents, maintaining a consistent interior climate.



Interior Layout and Utility
The interior reflects a thoughtful arrangement that prioritizes utility and harmony with the natural surroundings. The eastern side of the cabin has sliding doors, creating a semi-open area suitable for yoga and relaxation sessions. A sliding window on the western side, paired with a foldable bench, establishes a comfortable nook for reading. An elevated bed, located above the kitchenette, increases usable floor space while allowing for flexibility in the layout.



Natural Light and Sustainable Energy
The cabin’s roof is tilted at an angle to accommodate photovoltaic cells that generate electricity for lighting and heating water. Skylights placed in the bedroom and bathroom help capture natural light, creating a direct connection with the outdoors. This not only improves energy efficiency but also enhances the atmosphere within the cabin, making it inviting for those who occupy it.


The design culminates with a blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, especially in the northern area where a glass shade extends to an outdoor deck, offering a space ideal for yoga practice while surrounded by nature.

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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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