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Transportable Eco-Cabins Featuring Lightweight Aluminum and Transparent Panels for Sustainable Trekking

Author:
Tzu-Hsiang Lin
Transportable Eco-Cabins Featuring Lightweight Aluminum and Transparent Panels for Sustainable Trekking

Project in-detail

Constructed with transportable eco-cabins made from lightweight aluminum and transparent panels, this design caters to the needs of trekkers in remote environments by providing flexible and sustainable accommodations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transportable components allow trekkers to carry and assemble cabins with ease.
02
Constructed using recycled aluminum frames for lightweight durability.
03
Transparent panels enhance natural light and provide panoramic views.
04
Modular design supports expansion to accommodate varying group sizes.
05
Insulating materials ensure comfort in diverse environmental conditions.

## Overview

The Green Trekker Programme addresses the challenges of constructing facilities in extreme and remote terrains, focused on trekking routes and high-altitude environments. The initiative prioritizes sustainability and user engagement, promoting environmentally responsible practices among outdoor enthusiasts. By designing temporary amenities that integrate seamlessly into the hiking experience, the project minimizes the ecological impact of construction while enhancing the outdoor experience.

### Innovative Design Strategy

The programme’s design revolves around modularity and user adaptability. Key components are designed as self-contained units that can be transported as backpacks, enabling trekkers to carry essential materials into inaccessible locations. This modular approach allows for flexible accommodations catering to different group sizes and needs, facilitating a response to the fluctuating demands of wilderness lodging. Lightweight materials, such as recycled aluminum and high-performance polycarbonate, are used to enhance structural integrity while minimizing carbon footprints during both construction and maintenance.

### Material Selection and Functionality

The materials employed are central to the programme's operational efficiency and sustainability aims. The recycled aluminum frame ensures strength without undue weight, complemented by insulating foam panels that provide comfort and energy efficiency in varying temperatures. Transparency panels enhance user experience, allowing for natural light and views of the surrounding landscape while maintaining thermal insulation. Additionally, modular stacking components facilitate easy assembly and customization, promoting the efficient use of resources and space.

The design outcomes emphasize visual integration and user flexibility, with the transparent walls enabling a connection between occupants and nature while minimizing environmental disruption. Adaptable configurations support diverse living conditions and future expansion possibilities, ensuring that the structures respond effectively to changing user requirements. Interior layouts are tailored to practical living, incorporating essential facilities and storage solutions that enhance both functionality and user comfort.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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