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Timber Retreat with Undulating Roofs Overlooking Forest Views

Authors:
Sadina Tursunovic, Selma Tursunovic, Lisa Ho
Timber Retreat with Undulating Roofs Overlooking Forest Views

Project in-detail

With its two-tier structure and triangular, undulating roofs that echo the surrounding treetops, the cabin integrates seamlessly into the forest landscape, providing a tranquil retreat that encourages a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Two-tier structure enhances spatial variability.
02
Triangular roofs reflect the surrounding treetops.
03
Timber construction minimizes environmental impact.
04
Large windows frame views of the adjacent lake.
05
Interior spaces transition between openness and enclosure.

The Light Cabin is a residential retreat designed to connect people with nature. Situated in a quiet forest, it serves as a place to escape from everyday life and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. The design focuses on openness and fluid movement, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the natural environment through well-thought-out spaces and shapes.

Form and Structure

The cabin features a two-tier design characterized by triangular roofs that rise and fall like the treetops nearby. These shapes not only enhance the building’s appearance but also create a connection with the forest. The roofs provide shelter while allowing for daylight to enter. This combination invites users to experience the relationship between the structure and the natural landscape, making the building feel integrated with its setting.

Spatial Dynamics

Inside, the Light Cabin has an arrangement of spaces that shifts between open and enclosed areas. This design reflects the feeling of walking through a forest, where the experience varies with each step. The thoughtful use of open and closed facades frames views of the lake and forest, drawing attention to the beauty of the surrounding nature. As people move through the cabin, they encounter different perspectives that enhance their appreciation for the environment.

Materiality

Timber is the main material used in the construction of the cabin. This choice supports a commitment to sustainability, allowing the cabin to blend into the forest without causing harm to the ecosystem. The warm qualities of wood create a welcoming environment while emphasizing a connection to the natural world. Using timber also reflects a careful consideration of how materials impact the overall experience.

Design Detail

The cabin’s facades have been designed to create diverse views that encourage exploration. Each window and opening is positioned to frame the changing light and seasons outside, making the experience of the cabin dynamic. Light and shadow can shift throughout the day, influencing how the space feels at different times. The design ultimately fosters a deeper engagement with the landscape, offering a peaceful retreat that coexists with 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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