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Vertical Cabin Framed By Coniferous Trees In Sustainable Wood Design

Author:
Pequin Romain
Vertical Cabin Framed By Coniferous Trees In Sustainable Wood Design

Project in-detail

Rising above the forest canopy, a slender cabin framed by coniferous trees offers a self-sufficient retreat anchored in sustainably sourced wood, designed for quiet meditation and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rises above the forest canopy for enhanced light and views.
02
Includes levels dedicated to living, meditation, and outdoor observation.
03
Constructed with prefabricated wooden elements for efficient assembly.
04
Designed to be self-sufficient with solar energy and rainwater collection.
05
Maintains existing trees without removal to preserve the ecosystem.

The design is set in the Ozolini forest, approximately 100 km from the Latvian capital. It is a slender, vertical structure that reflects the tall coniferous trees around it. The building rises above the forest canopy, allowing natural light to enter and creating distinctive views. Designed as a private shelter for a single occupant, the structure emphasizes simplicity and connection to nature.

Design Concept

The layout features multiple levels, each serving a specific purpose. The ground floor is used for living, while the other floors include a bedroom, a meditation area, a technical room, and an outdoor roof terrace. This arrangement enables various experiences, with each level offering framed views that engage residents with the surrounding landscape. The roof terrace acts like a lookout point, encouraging a sense of peace and reflection.

Materials and Construction Methodology

Sustainability plays a key role in the design. The building includes solar panels for energy and systems to collect rainwater, aiming to limit its environmental impact. An onsite heating system ensures comfort. The use of prefabricated wooden elements improves construction efficiency and allows for quick assembly, which helps reduce waste and aligns with modern sustainable practices.

Environmental Integration

Thoughtful planning has reduced the project's impact on the natural environment, allowing existing trees to remain undisturbed. This careful approach connects the structure with its surroundings, preserving the ecological integrity of the site. The cabin’s position enhances the user experience, promoting interaction with nature while providing a quiet retreat.

Design Detail

Each level features unique framed views, welcoming light into the interior and allowing occupants to feel immersed in the forest. This connection between the structure and its environment highlights the importance of living within nature. It creates a continual exchange between the user and the landscape, making the experience one of calm and reflection.

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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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