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Charred Timber Facade Harmonizing With Panoramic Mountain Views in a Contemporary Residence

Author:
Gian Andrea Basilico
Charred Timber Facade Harmonizing With Panoramic Mountain Views in a Contemporary Residence

Project in-detail

The extensive use of charred wood cladding, combined with large glass openings that frame stunning mountain vistas, creates a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor environments in a contemporary residence designed for modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Extensive use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and provides a distinct aesthetic.
02
Large glass panels maximize natural light while maintaining views of the mountainous landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural efficiency and reduce construction time.
04
The bent A-frame design promotes natural ventilation and energy efficiency within living spaces.
05
Integrated outdoor terraces extend usable space and encourage interaction with nature.

### Project Overview

The contemporary residence is situated in a mountainous landscape characterized by expansive views and rich vegetation. The design aims to create a thoughtful relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings, facilitating a living experience that prioritizes light, space, and tranquility.

### Spatial Strategy and Design Intent

The arrangement of the residence features a series of rectangular masses with varying heights, which contributes to the overall dynamism of the structure while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The incorporation of large windows and outdoor terraces promotes a connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. The floor-to-ceiling fenestration enhances natural light entry and ventilation, while minimizing interruptions to sightlines of the surrounding landscape. Access is facilitated by a cantilevered entrance, providing shelter and a seamless transition from the exterior to the interior.

### Materiality and Sustainable Elements

The material palette is carefully selected for durability, functionality, and environmental considerations. Concrete serves as the structural backbone of the residence, ensuring stability, while extensive use of low-emissivity glass fosters transparency and energy efficiency. Natural wood accents provide warmth and texture, with slatted wooden screens offering both aesthetic appeal and functional shading. The exterior is finished in bright white paint, which reflects solar heat and contributes to passive cooling strategies.

The design includes strategies for sustainability, such as provisions for solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The landscape features artificial turf to minimize maintenance demands and enhance usability. Overall, these choices reflect a commitment to integrating sustainable practices into modern residential living.

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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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