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Whirlpool Retreat with Natural Wood and Metal Roof

Author:
Jaco Woltjer
Whirlpool Retreat with Natural Wood and Metal Roof

Project in-detail

Featuring a distinctive whirlpool and a lightweight metal roof, the design offers a cozy retreat emphasized by natural wood elements, providing an intimate escape for two.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a low bathroom window that frames scenic horizon views.
02
Utilizes a simple foundation with four corner blocks for site flexibility.
03
Incorporates a sheltered veranda that connects indoor and outdoor living.
04
Constructed with a fully insulated timber frame for enhanced energy efficiency.
05
Includes options for solar panels to support sustainable energy use.

The cabin design serves as a retreat for two, set in a natural landscape that encourages relaxation and peace. The central idea of the design is to provide a simple escape from daily life, allowing occupants to connect more deeply with their environment. The layout combines essential living spaces within a small footprint, ensuring comfort and usability without unnecessary complexity.

Architecture Concept

The concept of the cabin is focused on creating a welcoming space that acts as both a shelter and a haven from the demands of everyday life. It includes a living area with a kitchen, a cozy bedroom, and a bathroom, all designed to make the best use of the available space. The inclusion of a veranda serves as an outdoor extension, allowing residents to enjoy nature while remaining sheltered from the elements.

Materiality and Structure

Wood is the main material used in the construction of the cabin. This choice reflects a commitment to harmony with the surroundings. The design features a simple insulated timber frame, which helps with energy efficiency and reduces heating needs. Over time, the exterior wood will weather naturally, blending into the landscape and adapting in appearance.

Interior Design and Features

The interior layout prioritizes both comfort and practicality. Low windows in the bathroom are strategically placed to frame views of the horizon, drawing the occupants' attention to the outside world. Key amenities provide a modern living experience while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere of a retreat. The design allows for additional features, such as a whirlpool, to enhance the outdoor experience further.

Sustainability Considerations

The cabin is built on a straightforward foundation made of four corner blocks, allowing flexibility in site placement and ensuring stability. It includes necessary infrastructure for electricity, water, and sewage. Options for solar panels and an efficient heating system support sustainable living.

The light metal roof of the cabin is designed to reflect the surrounding light, creating a gentle play of brightness. During rainfall, the sound of water hitting the roof adds a soothing element to the experience, enriching the overall tranquility of the cabin and its setting.

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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
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