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Cantilevered Balconies and Locally Sourced Wood Reinforce Living Spaces on Coastal Cliffs

Author:
Youngil Kim
Cantilevered Balconies and Locally Sourced Wood Reinforce Living Spaces on Coastal Cliffs

Project in-detail

Cantilevered balconies extend above the rugged coastline, seamlessly integrating locally sourced wood and concrete to create an immersive living space that fosters connection with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilevered balconies maximize ocean views while enhancing structural stability.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide rapid construction and sustainability benefits.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer a unique aesthetic while improving fire resistance.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces.
05
Locally sourced materials reduce environmental impact and support regional craftsmanship.

### Overview

Located on the dramatic cliffs of the coastline in an undisclosed region of coastal South America, "Uncharted Edge" integrates architectural design with its natural context. The project emphasizes the interplay between the built environment and the surrounding landscape, exploring themes of dislocation, temporality, and the human experience in relation to nature.

### Spatial Organization

The spatial organization of the building reflects a carefully considered approach that balances functionality and experiential depth. The entrance is designed to engage visitors with sweeping views of the ocean, while the layout guides users through interconnected spaces that frame the landscape. Interior living areas feature large openings that invite natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments. Private spaces are incorporated to provide moments of solitude, reinforcing individual reflection amidst the expansive coastal setting. Additionally, balconies extend from the main structure, facilitating immersive interactions with the panoramic views and sounds of the ocean.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in both the aesthetic and structural integrity of the design. Concrete is selected for its durability and resilience against coastal weather, ensuring the building's permanence within a dynamic environment. Sustainably sourced wood is incorporated in the interiors, adding warmth and texture that enhance the user experience. Glass elements maximize natural light and frame the breathtaking surroundings, while steel is considered for its structural contributions beneath a minimalist facade. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability, potentially utilizing locally sourced materials and embracing ecological principles to respect and harmonize with the natural environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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