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Timber Louvers and Central Courtyard in a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Zhi xing Lim, Keqing Ng, Xiao tung Yip, Jia en Lam
Timber Louvers and Central Courtyard in a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

With a central tube courtyard and adaptable timber louvers for privacy, the cabin offers couples a tranquil retreat that seamlessly connects them to the surrounding forest environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Layered walls provide adjustable privacy for occupants.
02
A central tube courtyard serves as a calming water feature and fireplace.
03
Timber louvers enhance natural light while blending with the forest.
04
Rooftop amenities include a sunset tower for panoramic views.
05
Designed specifically for couples to foster intimacy and connection.

The Love Nest cabin is located in a quiet forest, designed specifically for couples looking to strengthen their romantic bonds. The retreat focuses on creating a private and intimate environment that encourages connection with nature. Inspired by the idea of birds building nests, the cabin invites occupants to experience love and togetherness in a serene setting.

Layered Walls

The design features two layers of walls, allowing for different levels of privacy. This structure enables occupants to customize their experience based on their needs. The flexibility of the design is suitable for a diverse range of visitors and enhances the comfort of those who stay within its space. When the walls are opened, the cabin becomes transparent, offering sweeping views of the grassland and revealing the stars overhead at night.

Central Courtyard

At the center of the cabin lies a tube courtyard that serves several functions. This area acts as both a calming water feature and a fireplace, providing warmth during cooler temperatures. The courtyard is essential for creating a tranquil atmosphere. It also serves as the focal point of the interior layout, bringing the living spaces together around it. This feature encourages a connection with nature and promotes relaxation.

Spatial Layout

The arrangement of spaces within the Love Nest allows for easy movement between indoor and outdoor areas. Important zones, such as living spaces, sleeping areas, and communal spots, are designed to foster various social interactions. This layout invites couples to explore their natural surroundings, whether taking leisurely walks or enjoying quiet moments in grassy clearings. This connection with nature enhances the overall experience of the retreat.

Rooftop Features

On the rooftop, amenities such as a hot tub, barbecue area, and a sunset tower enhance the usable space. These features provide areas for social gatherings and relaxation while offering impressive views of the landscape. Couples can enjoy their time together while taking in the beauty of their surroundings.

The outer vertical timber louvers provide an important design element, offering structural support and contributing to the cabin's overall aesthetic. These louvers create a natural feel, adding texture and warmth to the structure while harmonizing it with the surrounding environment.

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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

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