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Brick Chimney Dwelling With Textile Privacy Screens Nestled in the Mountains

Authors:
Markus Maasing, Siim tanel Tonisson
Brick Chimney Dwelling With Textile Privacy Screens Nestled in the Mountains

Project in-detail

Nestled within a mountainous terrain, a robust brick chimney forms the heart of a compact dwelling, utilizing textile privacy screens to enhance seclusion while promoting sustainable living through innovative rainwater collection methods.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central brick chimney serves as the core for essential facilities, maximizing functional use of space.
02
Textile privacy screens provide adjustable seclusion while maintaining natural light flow.
03
The roof is designed for efficient rainwater collection, promoting resource sustainability.
04
Elevated living spaces offer panoramic views and enhance privacy from the surrounding landscape.
05
Use of local materials emphasizes regional context and reduces environmental footprint.
The Chimney of Many Ways to Shambhala is an architectural project that integrates minimalist design with elemental living concepts. Located in a mountainous region, the structure serves as a small dwelling that balances functionality and aesthetics while fostering a connection with nature. Its design reflects a unique interpretation of privacy and public space through a central chimney feature, which functions both as a structural and service core.

The project is designed around the metaphor of a chimney, representing a connection between the dwelling and essential natural elements. This concept informs both the spatial organization and the developmental narrative, creating areas that support communal interaction as well as private retreats. The materials selected for this project—Cambodian bricks, local hardwood, and textiles—highlight the commitment to durability and a sustainable approach.

Efficiently sized at approximately 19.4 square meters, the design includes distinct zones for living, cooking, and bathing, allowing for a compact yet fully functional footprint. The living space is elevated, contributing to privacy while offering views of the surrounding landscape, which is a defining characteristic of the layout. The balance between openness and privacy facilitates a unique living experience, as the upper levels are designed to engage with the natural environment while the lower areas maintain a sense of seclusion.

Sustainable features are prevalent throughout the design. The roof is engineered for rainwater collection, promoting efficient water management and resource use. Large openings allow for natural light and ventilation, mitigating the need for artificial lighting and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, the integration of textile privacy screens enables occupants to control exposure to the environment while preserving the aesthetic quality of the interior.

The Chimney of Many Ways to Shambhala distinguishes itself from conventional architectural dwellings with its emphasis on the dualities of exposure and enclosure. This project deviates from traditional residential designs by prioritizing seamless integration with the landscape and fostering an experiential connection with the surroundings. The innovative use of the chimney as a central thematic and functional element challenges standard architectural frameworks, making the design both practical and conceptually rich.

For a more comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that provide further insight into the underlying ideas and functionality of the design. The integration of these elements not only defines the structure but also enriches the narrative surrounding it.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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