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Charred Wood Cladding and Steel Framing Enhance Flexible Living Spaces Amid Natural Surroundings

Authors:
Cassidy Ho, Tony Le, Dana Kim
Charred Wood Cladding and Steel Framing Enhance Flexible Living Spaces Amid Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood cladding and steel framing, the structure intricately blends flexible living spaces with its natural surroundings to promote sustainable residential functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that promotes natural light penetration and spatial dynamics.
04
Utilizes photovoltaic panels for energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.
05
Strategically positioned large windows to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.
The architectural design project "Terra" integrates contemporary living with its natural environment, offering a unique response to the surrounding topography characterized by diverse landscapes. The project emphasizes sustainability, functionality, and a connection to nature. It encompasses three primary zones: Rest, Work, and Living, all designed to facilitate a seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor environments.

The Rest area emphasizes tranquility, providing a space for occupants to recuperate and reflect. Large openings ensure natural light permeates the space, enhancing comfort. The Work zone is tailored for productivity, designed to facilitate focus while maintaining openness through expansive glazing, allowing views of the environment. The Living space serves as a multifunctional hub for social engagement, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior activities.

A distinctive aspect of "Terra" is its fluid spatial organization, where transitions among the different zones are purposefully designed to adapt to various uses and times of day. The project relies heavily on a selected material palette that includes high-performance glazing, various woods, steel for structural support, and sustainable components like photovoltaic panels and polymer concrete filtration panels. This combination not only ensures structural integrity but also enhances energy efficiency, aligning with modern sustainable architectural practices.

Natural light is a primary consideration in the design, with strategically placed windows offering panoramic views, reinforcing the connection to the landscape. The building’s layout encourages movement and interaction, offering a dynamic experience that fluctuates with changing environmental conditions. This adaptability distinguishes "Terra" from other projects, integrating functionality with a profound respect for the setting.

The emphasis on sustainability in "Terra" is evident in its material choices and energy solutions. Renewable energy systems and the use of locally-sourced materials minimize the ecological footprint of the project. The design approach actively incorporates functionality without sacrificing aesthetic simplicity, establishing a comprehensive dialogue between the architecture and its context.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights, I encourage you to explore the architectural plans, sections, and design elements presented in the project documentation. Review the various architectural ideas and how they contribute to the overall vision of "Terra."
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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