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Burned Cladding and Recycled Timber Create Harmonious Huts in a Natural Landscape

Author:
Laurine Hermouet
Burned Cladding and Recycled Timber Create Harmonious Huts in a Natural Landscape
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Blackened timber cladding and recycled wood define a collection of huts designed to facilitate meditation and foster community within a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Huts are designed to mimic the organic shapes of water droplets.
02
Meditation spaces are integrated within the landscape for reflection.
03
Timber used is sourced locally to minimize environmental impact.
04
Each hut features unique curved table designs matching the exterior.
05
Blackened cladding improves durability while enhancing aesthetics.

"The Drops" is an architectural design set in a natural landscape, aiming to create a strong connection between users and their environment. The project focuses on blending living spaces with the surroundings in a way that feels organic and inviting. The structures take the shape of water droplets, promoting a sense of movement and interaction with the landscape.

Design Concept

The design centers on merging the built environment with nature. The structures mimic the fluidity of water, creating a visual harmony with the surroundings. This approach encourages users to engage thoughtfully with their environment, fostering a deeper awareness of the natural world and their place within it.

Functional Spaces

The project includes huts designed for both individual and communal use. There are two double-bed huts and two single-bed huts, allowing for different accommodation options. The interiors feature tables that reflect the flowing forms of the exterior, offering a consistent experience throughout. This thoughtful arrangement supports both private moments and shared experiences among users.

Community Engagement

A key feature is the communal area that houses a kitchen and dining space. This area is positioned to encourage social interaction, making it a central hub for residents. It is designed to accommodate various activities, such as local exhibitions and poetry readings, which help build connections among people. The focus on community is evident in how these spaces invite participation and foster a sense of belonging.

Materials and Aesthetics

Recycled local timber is used in the construction of the huts, supporting sustainability and local resources. The exterior cladding has been treated by burning, resulting in a distinct blackened finish. This not only contributes to the visual appeal but enhances the durability of the structures. The choice of materials aligns with the project's commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining a unique character.

As users walk along the paths surrounding the huts, they are drawn into a landscape that encourages reflection and connection. Each element works together to create a dialogue between the inhabitants and their environment. The design offers a space that is more than just a place to live; it becomes a setting for interaction and tranquility in nature.

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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.

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