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Translucent Walls And Local Timber Create A Sustainable Urban Retreat

Authors:
Craig Desmond, Samantha Fruhwirth, Farah Ahmed
Translucent Walls And Local Timber Create A Sustainable Urban Retreat

Project in-detail

Sliding glass doors and natural wood elements seamlessly integrate the cabin into its urban surroundings, providing a multifunctional space for reflection and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sliding glass doors enable a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.
02
A greenhouse area supports plant cultivation, enhancing user engagement with nature.
03
The use of charred wooden shingles provides aesthetic appeal and improved durability.
04
Timber from local sources is employed, promoting sustainability and regional craftsmanship.
05
The bent A-frame design encourages natural light penetration and distinctive spatial dynamics.
The Cabin Gateway project presents a well-conceived architectural design that integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. This timber-framed structure operates within an urban context, serving as a retreat that bridges the gap between the built environment and nature. It emphasizes interaction and personal engagement, providing a space for reflection, cultivation, and community connections.

The cabin is designed to facilitate a range of experiences, from private contemplation to social gatherings. Its architectural layout consists of flexible spaces that enhance the flow of movement, allowing users to transition naturally from one area to another. The thoughtful arrangement of functional zones encourages both solitary and communal activities, catering to varying user needs.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the standout features of this project is its commitment to sustainability through the use of regional materials, primarily timber. This choice not only promotes local craftsmanship but also ensures that the cabin harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The structure incorporates sliding glass doors that enhance visibility and create a sense of continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design element is essential for promoting interaction with the environment.

Additionally, the integration of a greenhouse area signifies a unique approach to functional design. This space encourages users to engage with plant cultivation, emphasizing mindfulness and highlighting the project’s commitment to nurturing. The inclusion of a woodburning stove further enhances the sensory experience, inviting users to partake in the process of preparing tea, thus deepening their connection with the cabin as a space for personal and communal enjoyment.

Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The spatial configuration of the Cabin Gateway is particularly noteworthy, as it encapsulates a dual function of personal escape and community engagement. The use of transparent materials facilitates natural light penetration, creating an inviting atmosphere. Key areas include a flexible meeting space, access to outdoor views, and provisions for personal reflection, all designed to adapt to the needs of users.

The architectural design also addresses modern needs with the incorporation of a digital charging station. This element allows visitors to maintain connectivity while still promoting moments of disconnection, thereby balancing contemporary lifestyle demands with the desire for a retreat.

For those interested in exploring the Cabin Gateway further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide deeper insights into the innovative approaches employed in this project. The careful attention to materiality, functionality, and spatial dynamics makes the Cabin Gateway a relevant case study in contemporary architectural design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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