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Burnt Wood Cladding Meets Hollow Joint Design in a Tranquil Retreat

Authors:
Marianne Rodrigues, Mélisande St-onge
Burnt Wood Cladding Meets Hollow Joint Design in a Tranquil Retreat

Project in-detail

The use of burnt wood cladding and a hollow joint design enhances the farmhouse's connection to its landscape, creating a tranquil space dedicated to introspection and meditation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The farmhouse incorporates a hollow joint that runs around the building, enhancing continuity between interior and exterior.
02
Rainwater collection systems are integrated to promote sustainability and self-sufficiency.
03
Concealed storage solutions are strategically placed within wall depths to minimize visual clutter.
04
A centrally located wood stove serves as a focal point, reinforcing the functional layout.
05
The exterior features burnt wood cladding, contributing to durability and a rustic aesthetic.

The Ozolini farmhouse is located in a calm and beautiful area, designed to encourage introspection and meditation. It serves as a contemporary retreat that connects deeply with the surrounding nature. The overall concept seeks to create a peaceful environment that enhances clarity of thought, inviting those who enter to engage fully with their surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The main living space of the farmhouse is open, allowing easy access to outdoor areas through large balconies. This design choice promotes interaction with the landscape, making it a key element for meditation. Walls and other structures have been used to create views while also allowing for privacy, adding a layer of intimacy to the experience. Storage solutions are hidden within the walls, contributing to a clean and minimal look that minimizes distractions.

Central Elements

A wood stove sits centrally in the pavilion, acting as a focal point that defines the entrance. It provides warmth and encourages gatherings while maintaining an intimate setting. The layout emphasizes a horizontal design, strengthening the connection to the surrounding landscape. A hollow joint runs around the building and continues inside, fostering a sense of continuity that enhances the tranquility of the interior.

Sustainability Features

Sustainable practices are essential to the farmhouse’s design. Systems for collecting rainwater are seamlessly integrated into the structure, addressing practical needs while reducing environmental impact. A detachable water tank simplifies maintenance and usability. In addition, heating wires are installed in the roof to melt snow in winter, helping to keep the building accessible. Solar panels provide electricity, further enhancing the self-sufficiency of the farmhouse.

Materiality

The exterior features burnt wood cladding, which offers durability and lends a rustic touch to the structure. Inside, light wood is used, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This thoughtful choice of materials helps the farmhouse blend into its environment, reflecting a modern interpretation of traditional building methods. The result is a cohesive space that invites relaxation and 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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