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Charred Sea Stone Retreat Emphasizing Passive Solar Design and Natural Textures

Author:
Garrett Burleson
Charred Sea Stone Retreat Emphasizing Passive Solar Design and Natural Textures

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainability through locally sourced black sea stone and triple-glazed windows, this retreat for poets and creatives integrates solitude with communal spaces, fostering an environment conducive to inspiration.
5 key facts about this project
01
The retreat features locally sourced black sea stone that enhances thermal mass and aesthetic appeal.
02
Triple-glazed windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light while ensuring energy efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both a unique texture and enhanced weather resistance.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for greater spatial volume and an intimate connection with the surrounding landscape.
05
Communal areas are integrated with private workspaces to balance solitude and collaboration for creative individuals.
The architectural project known as "Solitude" is designed as a retreat for poets and creatives, offering an environment that emphasizes solitude while fostering creativity. This project embodies a philosophy focused on the relationship between space and artistic inspiration. The architecture serves as a sanctuary that allows individuals to disconnect from their daily lives and connect deeply with their inner thoughts, all while being immersed in nature.

The design represents a careful balance between functionality and the aesthetic experience that enhances the creative process. Each component is thoughtfully crafted to support various activities, whether it be writing, reflecting, or engaging in collaborative endeavors with fellow creators. The accommodation layout provides both solitude and communal gathering spaces, ensuring that users can choose their level of interaction. This dual nature encourages a harmonious living experience that respects individual needs while promoting a sense of community.

Upon entering the retreat, one can observe a number of significant architectural elements. The individual units are designed with unique anthropometric considerations that prioritize comfort and usability. Each unit includes spaces designated for sleeping, working, and dining, integrating practical living requirements with a serene ambiance. The structures are thoughtfully arranged to maximize natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, creating a connection to the outdoors that invigorates the occupants' creativity.

A focus on materiality is a standout feature of the project. The use of local black sea stone, standing-seam metal roofs, and polished concrete floors offers a rich texture and an inviting atmosphere. The abundant use of large, triple-pane glass windows not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides energy efficiency, allowing the structures to maintain comfort through passive solar design. Such thoughtful material choices resonate with the principles of sustainability while celebrating the local architecture context.

Unique design approaches in the "Solitude" project include its vernacular-inspired forms that echo traditional architecture while applying modern sensibilities. The steeply pitched roofs and expansive facades create a visual dialogue that is both familiar and contemporary, effectively locating it within its landscape. The architecture promotes a sense of place, allowing the site to speak through the design rather than overwhelming it with extraneous elements.

Moreover, the retreat is strategically sited to take full advantage of the natural topography, with orientations that capture light and air. This attentiveness to the environment contributes not only to the aesthetic experience but also to the psychological benefits of being in a tranquil, natural setting. The design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, making it easy for users to transition between solitude and social interaction.

As the project unfolds further, the detailed tools and resources provided in the architectural plans, sections, and designs will offer valuable insight into the intricate decisions made throughout the design process. By exploring these elements, readers can appreciate how the architects have implemented their ideas into tangible outcomes that meet the specific needs of its users. The "Solitude" project represents a thoughtful contribution to contemporary architecture, effectively illustrating how mindful design can create spaces that inspire and nurture creativity. For those looking for a deeper understanding of this remarkable architectural project, reviewing the architectural plans and sections will provide a comprehensive overview of its design and functionality.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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