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Charred Timber Canopy Overlooking a Tranquil Pond Spa

Authors:
Daniela Ciarcelluti, Greg Mathers, Vincenza De Vincenziis
Charred Timber Canopy Overlooking a Tranquil Pond Spa

Project in-detail

A series of buildings constructed with charred timber and designed for sustainability creates an immersive experience, seamlessly connecting guests to the natural beauty of the forest and pond while serving as a wellness retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred timber cladding enhances durability while blending with the forest environment.
02
Each building is distinct yet interconnected through a raised pathway, encouraging exploration.
03
Large glass openings maximize natural light and frame views of the surrounding landscape.
04
A rainwater collection system supports sustainability and reduces resource dependency.
05
The integration of a vegetable garden and greenhouse promotes local agricultural practices.

The design is located in a quiet forest region beside a calm pond, focusing on wellness and relaxation. The complex includes a Guest House, a Spa, and a Dining Room, each placed thoughtfully in alignment with the natural setting. The concept revolves around a non-intrusive presence, aiming to preserve the views and maintain a close relationship with the surrounding environment.

Spatial Organization

The plan of the complex separates different functions into individual buildings, allowing more flexibility and reducing the overall impact on the landscape. A pathway leads from the country road through the oak trees to the central courtyard. As visitors walk this route, they experience a gradual unveiling of the site, enhancing their sense of exploration.

Orientation and Light

Each building is oriented to make the most of natural light and surrounding views. The Spa provides close views of the forest, while the Guest House overlooks the pond and its nearby features. Large glass openings in the walls allow daylight to fill the interiors, creating bright and welcoming spaces throughout the complex.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a key element of the design, promoting self-sufficiency. The complex features systems for collecting rainwater, which provides drinking water and recycles greywater for use in toilets. A vegetable garden and greenhouse enrich the area, supporting local agriculture and offering educational experiences for guests.

Material Selection

Timber frame construction is used throughout the buildings, which is efficient and minimizes environmental impact. The exterior features charred timber cladding, which is both durable and visually appealing. Inside, timber flooring and plywood wall linings contribute to a warm atmosphere. Durable tiles are used in the wet areas, ensuring practicality and long-lasting performance.

A sheltered path connects the Guest House to the Spa, allowing guests to move between spaces comfortably while staying protected from the weather. This design detail adds to the overall experience, enhancing ease and comfort as visitors navigate the complex.

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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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