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Triangular Columns and Rainwater Cabins for Bicycle Tourism

Author:
Katie Theall
Triangular Columns and Rainwater Cabins for Bicycle Tourism

Project in-detail

With triangular columns crafted from marine plywood and designed for rainwater collection, the project serves as modular shelters that enhance bicycle tourism along the European Velo Route.
5 key facts about this project
01
Triangular columns based on bicycle frame geometry provide structural stability and aesthetic coherence.
02
Flexible modular designs accommodate diverse configurations for varying user needs.
03
Rainwater collection systems integrated into deluxe cabins enhance sustainability.
04
Prefabricated components allow for efficient transport and minimal on-site assembly.
05
Vertical bike racks are creatively integrated into the column structure for added functionality.

The architectural design along the European Velo Route 6 connects urban and rural landscapes while providing important amenities for bicycle tourists. The project enhances the relationship between riders and their environment through flexible and recognizable Velo stops. The design concept emphasizes modularity, allowing the structures to adapt to different site conditions and user needs while maintaining a unified visual style.

Modular Design

The design features custom triangular columns that draw inspiration from the shape of a bicycle frame. These columns offer support and guide various configurations for shelters. Their triangular shape provides both stability and visual harmony across the project. These columns act as the foundation for additional modular elements, allowing for flexible setups that can adapt to various functions.

User-Centric Amenities

The design allows for multiple arrangements that respond to specific site features. Basic setups include vertical bike racks made from the columns, but combinations can add horizontal bike racks, picnic tables, or hammocks. This thoughtful integration encourages cyclists to engage with each other and enjoy social interactions in a natural setting, enhancing their overall experience along the route.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key focus, especially in the deluxe cabins, which are equipped for rainwater collection and solar power use. These features address the ecological impact of the structures and support the needs of bicycle tourists, ensuring their journey is both enjoyable and environmentally friendly. The emphasis on sustainable practices reflects a commitment to responsible design.

Construction Methods

The construction approach involves prefabricating components off-site, making transport efficient through methods like helicopter or bicycle trailer. This strategy reduces environmental impact by minimizing the use of heavy machinery during assembly. When brought to the site, the components are assembled using hand tools, emphasizing attention to detail and craftsmanship in each structure.

The project incorporates practical design elements such as sleeping modules with secure storage and well-equipped kitchens featuring sinks and propane stoves. These aspects improve the usability of the shelters and cater to a variety of needs, creating spaces that invite cyclists to rest and recharge while promoting community interaction.

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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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