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Wisteria-Covered Retreat With Recycled Timber Elements

Author:
Panayotis Malefakis
Wisteria-Covered Retreat With Recycled Timber Elements

Project in-detail

Covered in wisteria and supported by thin steel columns, the cabin uses recycled timber to create an off-grid retreat that emphasizes a direct connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central fire pit serves as both a cooking area and gathering space.
02
The cabin utilizes a wireframe ceiling supported by thin steel columns.
03
Wisteria vines are integrated into the design, providing natural shade.
04
Water management includes a discreet tank and a filtration pump system.
05
Recycled timber decking creates a connection to sustainable practices.

The design centers on a wall-less cabin located in a serene natural setting. It serves as a refuge from city life, emphasizing simplicity and a strong connection to the environment. The overall concept is to create a living space that allows individuals to engage with nature while meeting the basic needs of everyday life.

Structure and Form

The cabin relies on thin steel columns that support a wireframe ceiling, allowing unobstructed views of the landscape. This construction enhances the feeling of openness within the space. By eliminating traditional walls, occupants experience an uninterrupted link between indoors and outdoors, inviting nature into daily life.

Natural Integration

Wisteria vines are strategically included in the design, providing shade and enriching the cabin's ambiance. These natural features not only beautify the space but also emphasize the importance of greenery in living environments. The design encourages occupants to appreciate their surroundings, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Functional Layout

Inside, the layout focuses on essential living areas, including spaces for sleeping, cooking, and hygiene. A central fire pit serves both as a cooking area and a social gathering spot, promoting interaction among those who occupy the cabin. This arrangement supports efficient living while fostering a sense of community among users.

Sustainable Systems

Water management is a key consideration, with a water tank discreetly placed to ensure access to fresh water. A pump system filters this water, and solar panels contribute to energy needs, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. Recycled timber decking provides the flooring, aligning with the design's ecological focus while also offering a warm, inviting feel.

The design exemplifies a modern approach to living, prioritizing simplicity and sustainability while remaining deeply connected to the surrounding natural environment.

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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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