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Charred Timber Retreats on Aluminum Pontoons for Nature Immersion

Authors:
James Tanner, Samantha Chia
Charred Timber Retreats on Aluminum Pontoons for Nature Immersion

Project in-detail

Constructed from charred timber and supported by aluminum pontoons, the retreat offers a unique blend of isolation and natural immersion, providing spaces for meditation and reflection in a serene woodland setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on aluminum pontoons for flotation and stability.
02
Utilizes charred timber for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a raised walkway for minimal landscape disruption.
04
Incorporates vertical transitions for enhanced user experience.
05
Designed to facilitate solitude and connection with nature.

Floating Worlds is located in an ancient woodland. It is designed to create a retreat experience focused on isolation and contemplation. The concept seeks to connect built forms with the natural landscape, encouraging people to engage with their surroundings. The design includes spaces that support meditation and reflection, with careful attention to minimizing environmental impact.

Supply Loop
A key element of the design is the raised walkway that functions both as a path for movement and a route for supplying the retreats. This walkway directs visitors through the area while allowing staff to deliver provisions without disturbing guests. The layout helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere of the wilderness as people navigate the space.

Retreat Structures
The project features two main retreat structures: the Hut and the Tea House. The Hut provides a heated space suitable for sleeping and storing items, creating a comfortable area for visitors. The Tea House, in contrast, is elevated without heating and is intended for meditation and rituals. This difference in function broadens the range of experiences available to individuals while they are in nature.

Material Choices
The design employs screw pile foundations for the land-based structures and aluminum pontoons for those on water. The architectural style takes cues from traditional forms, particularly seen in the pitched roofs, which help manage water drainage and integrate well with the surroundings. Shou Sugi Ban charred timber is used for cladding, highlighting a preference for local materials and a commitment to sustainability.

The design encourages exploration through a series of vertical transitions, moving from the ground to the decks and up to the attic spaces. Each retreat acts as an independent element within the landscape, giving guests a chance to deeply connect with their environment and reflect on their experiences amidst the natural setting.

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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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