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Triangular Void Cabin Made of White Pine and Reclaimed Wood in Forest Retreat

Authors:
Alvin Hwang, Ruoran Zhao
Triangular Void Cabin Made of White Pine and Reclaimed Wood in Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

The cabin, characterized by a triangular void and constructed from white pine and reclaimed wood, immerses occupants in the forest environment, providing a space designed for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
One-of-a-kind triangular void enhances natural light and views.
02
Constructed with local white pine for ecological harmony.
03
Incorporates reclaimed wood for sustainable exterior cladding.
04
Utilizes rammed earth for effective thermal mass.
05
Designed to blend seamlessly with the forest landscape.

The design focuses on creating a cabin in a forest setting. The cabin serves as a retreat for meditation and reflection, allowing visitors to connect with nature. The overall concept emphasizes abundance, capturing the essence of the forest and its many elements. The goal is to offer a space for rest and self-discovery, integrating harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

Spatial Organization
The layout carefully balances communal and private areas, addressing different user needs. This arrangement supports both social interaction and quiet moments, allowing for varied experiences within the space. The design features vertical lines and triangular shapes, reflecting themes of growth and connection to the sky. This encourages a journey through the cabin, inviting users to explore and engage with their environment.

Natural Light and Ventilation
Natural light plays a key role in the experience of the cabin. Large openings are placed throughout to ensure ample sunlight brightens the interior. This design choice enhances the sense of openness and strengthens the link between the indoors and outdoors. Additionally, practical ventilation techniques are implemented, contributing to comfort and aligning with environmentally friendly practices.

Materiality
The main material used is white pine, which serves both structural and aesthetic purposes. This choice supports a connection to the forest, providing durability and warmth. Reclaimed wood is used for external cladding, highlighting sustainability and respect for history. The foundation and heating system utilize rammed earth, promoting not only functionality but also a longer lifespan for the cabin.

The cabin functions as an extension of its forest environment, blending with the landscape while offering a peaceful space for contemplation. The thoughtful use of natural materials, careful lighting, and organized spaces creates a retreat that fosters tranquility and a deeper connection to the surrounding woods.

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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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