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Trombe Wall Cabin with Natural Wood Interior and Outdoor Reflection Space

Authors:
Francisco j. Flores, Jesús mario Sánchez
Trombe Wall Cabin with Natural Wood Interior and Outdoor Reflection Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing a trombe wall for sustainable heating, the cabin integrates local wood materials and provides outdoor spaces for reflection, serving as a retreat for meditation and self-discovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a trombe wall for efficient passive solar heating.
02
Incorporates local wood for ecological and aesthetic alignment with nature.
03
Features a dedicated tea infusion area inspired by Japanese tea culture.
04
Includes a mezzanine that maximizes natural light and open space.
05
Elevated terrace protects against environmental elements while providing outdoor access.

The Mindself Silent Cabin is designed as a retreat for meditation and self-reflection, located in a peaceful natural environment. It serves as a space where users can disconnect from their everyday lives and reconnect with their surroundings and themselves. The design focuses on simplicity and aims to create a calming atmosphere that encourages mindfulness and introspection.

Site Integration

The cabin features vertical facades made from local wooden boards that mimic the surrounding trees. This choice reinforces the connection between the cabin and its environment, allowing it to blend in naturally. The design is kept straightforward to ensure the focus remains on the beautiful landscape that envelops the structure.

Interior Layout

Inside, the cabin prioritizes the use of natural light, enhancing the overall experience for occupants. A wood burning stove supplies warmth and comfort, while the layout includes a mezzanine that opens up the ground floor for various activities. The incorporation of roof windows allows sunlight to enter, creating changing patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, which adds to the tranquil setting.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a key aspect of the Mindself Silent Cabin. Locally sourced materials are used for construction, ensuring that the building fits well into its environment and supports local resources. The design includes a trombe wall system that captures solar energy for heating throughout the year. Furthermore, rainwater collection systems are in place to facilitate responsible water management.

User Experience

The design pays careful attention to user experience, particularly through the inclusion of an outdoor terrace that extends the living space. This terrace has a seating area for quiet reflection and is elevated on small columns to protect it from environmental factors such as snow and water. The space invites occupants to step outside and enjoy nature while the small campfire area offers a simple way to warm tea, fostering a connection to the elements.

The interplay between light and shadow within the cabin enhances its peaceful atmosphere. The design encourages users to engage with their thoughts and surroundings, creating a meaningful place for reflection and mindfulness.

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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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