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Charred Timber Retreat with Staggered Views of the Northern Lights

Author:
Lewis Bailie
Charred Timber Retreat with Staggered Views of the Northern Lights

Project in-detail

With staggered bedrooms designed for optimal views of the northern lights and a charred timber exterior that blends durability with aesthetic appeal, the building serves as a modern retreat focused on both connection to nature and communal living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred timber rainscreen enhances weather resistance.
02
Staggered bedrooms offer unobstructed views of the northern lights.
03
Hot tub area integrates leisure into the design.
04
Fibrous insulation improves energy efficiency and comfort.
05
The pitched roof design allows for maximum natural light.

The design integrates a contemporary take on the pitched roof dwelling typology in a quiet setting. Focused on creating spaces that encourage interaction and comfort, the building is well-suited for modern living. It combines communal areas and private retreats to foster a sense of connection to both the people inside and the natural environment outside.

Central Hub Design

At the heart of the home is a shed-like space, which serves as the main gathering area. Here, the kitchen and dining zones come together, allowing for easy movement and interaction. This design reflects a modern approach to living, where preparation and dining are parts of a single experience. The layout is practical, facilitating social gatherings while maintaining individual comfort.

Spatial Organization

Bedrooms are thoughtfully staggered to make the most of the views toward the northern lights. This arrangement enhances both privacy and connection to the striking landscape outside. An indentation is included for a hot tub, which introduces a leisure area that invites residents to enjoy moments of relaxation naturally. The design promotes not just living but also enriching experiences tied to the environment.

Material Choices

Selecting materials plays an essential role in the overall effectiveness of the design. Charred timber rainscreen boarding adds durability, standing up to the elements and requiring less maintenance. Fibrous mineral wool insulation ensures better energy efficiency, contributing to a warm and comfortable indoor climate. A robust timber support structure provides stability, while plywood sheeting promotes airtightness. Flashing and standing seam metal roofing handle water management efficiently, ensuring long-term resilience.

The design successfully blends form with function, reflecting a modern lifestyle that values both community and nature. An interesting detail is the staggered placement of windows in the bedrooms. This feature not only allows light to enter but also carefully manages views while ensuring privacy from the outside.

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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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