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Charred Wood Shingles and Concrete Walls Harmonizing Nature with a Lakeside Retreat

Author:
Minji Baek
Charred Wood Shingles and Concrete Walls Harmonizing Nature with a Lakeside Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels, the design seamlessly integrates with the landscape of Lake Asturias, creating a tranquil retreat that emphasizes natural light and connectivity with the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing aesthetic warmth.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural stability and sustainable benefits.
03
The bent A-frame design facilitates optimal natural light penetration.
04
Large glass expanses create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
05
Strategically positioned courtyards promote ventilation and enhance privacy.

### Project Overview
Located near Lake Asturias in Spain, the residence is designed as a tranquil retreat for a retired research couple, drawing on the area's historic and natural beauty. The intent is to create a harmonious living environment that promotes relaxation and interaction with the surrounding landscape, catering to the clients’ desire for a peaceful escape from urban life. The architectural approach emphasizes the integration of natural light and outdoor connections, enhancing the dwelling's overall serenity.

### Spatial Configuration and Natural Light
The layout features an open floor plan that facilitates fluid movement between interconnected living spaces, a kitchen, and a study. This design choice supports a versatile lifestyle, accommodating both social gatherings and personal reflection. Large glass panels dominate the façade, maximizing natural light while roof overhangs provide shade, enhancing indoor comfort during warmer months. A central courtyard serves as both a source of light and ventilation, contributing to a favorable indoor climate.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic Integration
The materials chosen for the construction reflect a commitment to environmental harmony and aesthetic appeal. Concrete provides structural stability, while glass enhances transparency and visual connectivity with nature. Wood elements, such as columns and trusses, add warmth to the design, and steel supports the glass features without compromising visual integrity. The juxtaposition of smooth and textured materials creates a visually engaging environment. The angular roof design captures scenic views and optimizes natural light, further reinforcing the relationship between the residence and its picturesque surroundings.

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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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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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