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Burnt Wood Structures and Phytopurification in a Mountain Retreat

Authors:
Thibaut Brahic, Julien Brahic, Flore Gustin
Burnt Wood Structures and Phytopurification in a Mountain Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing burnt wood and a phytopurification system, the design integrates seamlessly into the mountain landscape, offering a functional retreat that promotes sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Burnt wood construction enhances durability and aesthetic appeal while blending with the natural landscape.
02
A phytopurification system filters water on-site, promoting sustainable resource management.
03
The design features a geothermal system for energy efficiency, utilizing the earth’s stable temperature.
04
Distinct “masonry shears” provide structural support while allowing for a visually open layout.
05
The layout integrates intimate and communal spaces, encouraging both personal reflection and social interaction.

The project is set in "Vale de Moses," designed to blend into its natural surroundings while functioning as both a retreat and a community space. The overall concept encourages connections between enclosed areas and open spaces. It creates room for quiet reflection as well as community interaction. This relationship with the landscape enhances the user experience and promotes a sense of belonging to the site.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement features distinct layers of space that serve various functions. Key elements include the mountain, the wall, humid rooms, a stove, storage, a kitchen, and a spacious yoga practice area. This layout allows for a journey from private, intimate spaces to larger, communal areas. Such planning thoughtfully balances privacy with opportunities for social engagement.

Structure and Materials

The design shifts from solid walls to a more open layout, using "masonry shears" for structural support. A wooden framework supports this system, offering a visual transition to less weighty roofing. Burnt wood is used throughout, ensuring durability and a pleasing aesthetic that complements the natural setting. This choice highlights both strength and beauty in the construction.

Thermal and Water Systems

The design prioritizes thermal efficiency through various strategies. The walls function as thermal mass, keeping the interior comfortable by moderating temperatures in both summer and winter. A geothermal system is also part of the design, using the earth's steady temperature to assist with heating and cooling. Additionally, a water pond located on site acts as an important part of the project, incorporating a phytopurification system that filters and cleans water, promoting sustainability and responsible resource use.

Building Integration

The concept emphasizes not just the experience of users but also a commitment to environmental care. The building is strategically placed to take advantage of views, creating an engaging experience with the surroundings. The attention to detail, like protective eaves that support ventilation and natural light, reinforces the connection between the structure and the outdoor landscape. Every aspect contributes to a harmonious relationship between built forms and 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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