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Triple-Glazed Retreat with Wood and Cellulose Integration

Authors:
Gökhan Aksoy, Melike Soyal, Erald Varaku, Zeynep Seyhan
Triple-Glazed Retreat with Wood and Cellulose Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed with triple-glazed openings and locally sourced wood, the cabin seamlessly integrates with its landscape to provide a serene space for meditation and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cellulose insulation for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Features a minimalist interior design promoting personal reflection.
03
Incorporates triple-glazed windows for optimal light and thermal performance.
04
Roofline designed to mimic the natural contours of the landscape.
05
Strategically placed mechanical room to minimize heat loss.

The cabin merges with its natural surroundings, offering a quiet space for meditation. Set within a tranquil landscape, the design focuses on a strong connection to nature. By encouraging openness and light, the concept draws inspiration from the form of a tree crown. This connection to nature shapes both the spatial arrangement and visual appeal of the cabin.

Form and Aesthetics

The shape of the cabin reflects the curves of its environment, creating a bond with the land. Large windows allow sunlight to enter, illuminating the interior while framing outdoor views. This design not only lets in natural light but also invites the beauty of nature inside. The structure encourages users to experience the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Interior Design and Functionality

Inside, the cabin follows a minimalist style that promotes calmness and quiet reflection. The straightforward layout allows individuals to personalize their areas, enhancing their experiences. All spaces are designed to accommodate different ways of meditating and relaxing, making it easy to connect with the surroundings.

Material Specifications

Wood is a key material in the cabin’s interior, providing warmth and supporting the connection with nature. The use of cellulose insulation and mineral wool board helps with temperature control and energy efficiency. Large south-facing windows made of triple-insulated glass enhance passive solar heating, ensuring the space remains bright while minimizing energy loss.

Sustainable Systems

The mechanical systems are planned carefully to enhance energy use. The mechanical room is located underground, which reduces heat loss throughout the structure. A heating system delivers warmth evenly, while a propane tank-style water heater works with heat recovery ventilation to maintain comfort during colder months. These features work together to create a sustainable environment that does not compromise on design.

The roofline of the cabin mimics the natural contours of the landscape, reinforcing its connection to the environment. The generous amounts of glass enrich the interior, ensuring the beauty of nature is always within view.

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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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