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Wellness Core Emphasizing Natural Light Within a Timber Retreat

Authors:
Olivia Wong, Justin Crook
Wellness Core Emphasizing Natural Light Within a Timber Retreat

Project in-detail

A central Wellness Core, abundant in natural light, enhances the sense of tranquility in this timber retreat designed as an intimate escape for two.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central Wellness Core facilitates relaxation with dual basins and expansive views.
02
The cabin's layout features distinct zones for privacy and social interaction.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable resource use.
04
Bi-fold shutters enhance natural ventilation and connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Utilizes locally sourced timber to reduce environmental impact and promote warmth.

Harmony House embodies a thoughtful approach to design, situated in a peaceful area near the Firth of Thames and Coromandel Ranges. The cabin serves as a retreat for two, focusing on relaxation and deepening the connection to nature. The overall concept revolves around the idea of harmony, which seeks balance between the human-made environment and the natural world.

Spatial Organization

The layout consists of three different zones: the Resting Quarter and the Living Quarter. This division allows for clear separation of functions within the cabin. The Resting Quarter emphasizes wellness, featuring a central Wellness Core that includes a bathing area and dual basins. This core is designed to allow natural light to flood the space and provide views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing the atmosphere of tranquility.

Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability plays a key role in the cabin's design. The structure uses timber, which adds warmth and contributes to resource efficiency. Solar panels and systems for rainwater harvesting further show a commitment to reducing environmental impact. The arrangement of spaces makes the most of natural light and ventilation, allowing the cabin to function well within its environment.

Architectural Language

The design language is marked by simple forms, complemented by strategic placements of glass and a gently sloped roofline. These architectural choices provide shelter from the weather while promoting interaction with the outdoors. Features like bi-fold shutters enable easy airflow and create openings that frame beautiful views of the landscape, enhancing the experience of being in nature.

Experience and Discovery

The arrangement of spaces invites occupants to explore and engage with their surroundings. Concealed areas within the layout create a sense of curiosity, encouraging guests to wander and discover what lies beyond each corner. This thoughtful design allows for both quiet moments and lively interactions, enriching the overall experience. Each viewpoint inside Harmony House offers a distinct perspective, reflecting the careful balance between privacy and openness, underscoring the connection to the landscape outside.

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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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