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Burned Wood Facade and Elevated Serenity in a Quiet Retreat

Author:
Lotta Larsson
Burned Wood Facade and Elevated Serenity in a Quiet Retreat

Project in-detail

A facade of burned wood and a structure elevated on three beams create a tranquil retreat focused on nature, with a large window serving as a key connection to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Facade made of burned wood contrasts with the surrounding greenery.
02
Elevated on three beams, minimizing land disturbance and ecological impact.
03
Large windows frame natural views, enhancing occupants' connection to nature.
04
A small entryway includes wood storage, adding functionality to the design.
05
Interior warmth is achieved through wooden walls and a central fireplace.

The design is set in an area rich in natural beauty, focusing on the need for a peaceful retreat from the busyness of modern life. It creates a space for reflection and connection to the landscape. The concept emphasizes simplicity, using thoughtful framing to enhance the experience of the outdoors and promote a sense of calm and clarity for its users.

Conceptual Framework

A large window serves as the central feature, acting like an altar that invites attention to the outside world. This design choice encourages a meditative quality, allowing individuals to engage more deeply with the surrounding environment. The nearly invisible window frames create unobstructed views, which help integrate the interior spaces with the natural landscape.

Spatial Dynamics

The structure is raised on three beams, allowing it to float above the ground. This design minimizes its environmental impact while preserving the integrity of the surrounding area. The elevation creates a pathway that leads to the entry, guiding visitors through a carefully designed sequence. A small entryway with a roof and storage for wood fosters a warm welcome, enhancing the accessibility of the building.

Material Selection

Materials are carefully chosen for their functionality and visual appeal. Wooden walls and roofs provide warmth to the interior, while a fireplace offers comfort during colder months. The facade is made of burned wood, which contrasts with the greenery outside. This choice supports environmentally friendly practices and emphasizes the connection between the building and its natural surroundings.

Design Detail

Metal stairs facilitate movement within the space while maintaining a lightweight and unobtrusive presence. The combination of these elements design a place that showcases natural materials and skilled craftsmanship, creating a calm environment that encourages quiet reflection and a deep connection with nature.

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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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