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Cedar Decking and Zinc Roof in a Retreat for Creative Solitude

Authors:
Paul Jasper, Arturo Chávez guadarrama
Cedar Decking and Zinc Roof in a Retreat for Creative Solitude

Project in-detail

With a zinc roof and cedar decking, this retreat integrates individual cabins among clusters of trees, offering artists a serene environment for creativity and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins are situated at increasing distances from the central building to enhance solitude.
02
Small plots of trees provide natural visual and acoustic separation between units.
03
Each cabin is oriented to frame distinct views of the surrounding landscape.
04
A central building houses multi-functional spaces for communal gatherings.
05
Materials include a zinc roof and cedar decking, supporting sustainability.

The retreat for artists is designed to provide a balanced environment for creativity, situated at the outskirts of a city surrounded by nature. This setting is intended to foster both moments of solitude and opportunities for community interaction. The design concept embodies a blend of introspective space and shared facilities, catering to the diverse needs of artists seeking inspiration.

Design Organization
At the northeastern part of the site, a central building acts as the focal point of the retreat. This multipurpose structure includes accommodations, a communal kitchen, and spaces for meetings. Such an arrangement allows guests to connect with one another while providing quiet areas for personal reflection. The layout is thoughtful, ensuring that communal activities can coexist with private creative practices.

Cabin Arrangement
Surrounding the central building is a collection of cabins designed for different guest capacities, accommodating four, two, or single occupants. These cabins are strategically placed to create varying degrees of solitude, allowing artists to immerse themselves in their work. Every cabin offers a unique orientation, providing distinct views of the landscape, enhancing the sensory experience of being in nature.

Natural Integration
The design incorporates small clusters of trees to create visual and acoustic separation between different areas. This element enhances the peaceful atmosphere, providing a buffer that allows for a quiet environment conducive to creativity. The relationship of the buildings to the surrounding nature is significant, enabling artists to connect deeply with their environment while experiencing the changing seasons and light throughout the day.

Materials and Aesthetics
The choice of materials includes a zinc roof, wood framing, glass panels, dormer windows, and lap siding. Each of these materials serves a practical purpose while contributing to the overall visual appeal. Other elements, such as gravel substrates, wet walls, and insulation, reflect a focus on sustainability, allowing for enhanced environmental performance. Cedar decking complements these materials, creating usable outdoor spaces that encourage relaxation and engagement with the surroundings.

Every cabin offers a view that invites occupants to appreciate the natural world, allowing the ever-changing scenery to become a canvas for their artistic journeys.

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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

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