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Canyon-Inspired Retreat with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Kendra Shouse, Alisha Ther
Canyon-Inspired Retreat with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Crafted with cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, this residence harmonizes with its canyon surroundings, offering a serene escape designed for reflection and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior while blending with the natural surroundings.
03
A bent A-frame structure maximizes interior space and facilitates effective natural light distribution.
04
Light wells strategically positioned throughout the home draw sunlight deep into the living areas.
05
The layout features a central courtyard, promoting outdoor living and connection to the desert landscape.
Caverna Obscura is an architectural project situated in the striking landscape of the Grand Canyon region near Flagstaff, Arizona. This residential design reflects a deep understanding of its natural environment, blending seamlessly with the surrounding topography while offering a unique living experience. The project exemplifies how architecture can create spaces that foster connection, not only among inhabitants but also between the built and natural world.

At its core, Caverna Obscura embodies a philosophy inspired by Plato's Allegory of the Cave, symbolizing the interplay between perception and reality. This conceptual foundation shapes the overall design, where light plays a pivotal role in crafting the atmosphere within the home. By utilizing natural light in innovative ways, the project invites inhabitants to experience varying moods and reflections throughout the day, emphasizing how environment influences well-being.

The function of this architectural design lies in its ability to provide a comfortable and contemplative living space. Key areas include a kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, and a central courtyard. Each space is carefully designed to enhance the user’s experience. The kitchen is oriented to capture morning sunlight, serving as a bright and inviting area for culinary activities. The living room, with its soft, filtered light, encourages relaxation and foster social interactions, while the bathroom is designed to offer privacy without sacrificing natural light. The bedroom serves as a tranquil retreat, where the interplay of light creates a serene environment conducive to rest.

Caverna Obscura’s unique design approaches further distinguish it from conventional architectural solutions. It employs natural stone as a primary material, allowing the dwelling to blend into its environment seamlessly. Textured plaster enhances the tactile quality of the walls, responding to sunlight in a manner that contributes to a dynamic visual experience. Furthermore, glass features prominently in the design, carefully integrated into windows and partitions to maximize light while maintaining necessary privacy.

A remarkable aspect of Caverna Obscura is its incorporation of lighting strategies that advance sustainability. Natural light wells are designed to draw sunlight into deeper areas of the home, reducing the need for artificial lighting and embracing energy-efficient principles. This thoughtful manipulation of illumination ensures that each room within the dwelling feels connected to the outside world, regardless of the time of day.

The project also highlights a commitment to sustainable materials, utilizing sustainable timber for cabinetry and structural elements. This choice not only adds warmth to the design but also speaks to a broader ethos of environmental stewardship, aligning the architecture with the ethos of modern sustainable living.

In discussing Caverna Obscura, one cannot overlook the philosophical undertones that inform its design. The project encourages a reflective lifestyle, inviting occupants to appreciate their surroundings and engage in contemplative practices. Each element of the design contributes to a greater understanding of one’s place within the landscape and the natural rhythms of light and time.

As you explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs of Caverna Obscura, consider how this project illustrates the profound potential of architecture to create meaningful spaces that resonate with both the environment and the human experience. The distinct architectural ideas presented here invite further examination and appreciation of how effective design fosters a sense of belonging and connection within its unique setting.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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