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Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Stone Create Sustainable Community Spaces in Vineyard Setting

Authors:
Catherine Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Joe Ives
Charred Wood Shingles and Natural Stone Create Sustainable Community Spaces in Vineyard Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and natural stone, the design emphasizes environmental sensitivity while creating flexible communal spaces that enhance connection to the surrounding vineyard landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while integrating with the vineyard's aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and views throughout the communal spaces.
04
A central courtyard promotes social interaction and community bonding among residents.
05
Renewable energy solutions are integrated seamlessly into the overall design for efficiency.

This architectural project demonstrates a cohesive integration of residential, recreational, and communal elements, situated within a region characterized by vineyard activities. The design aims to enhance community interaction while providing individual privacy, creating a duality that speaks to contemporary living within a natural context.

The architectural layout comprises various structures, including single-story residences and a prominent tower house. The private courtyard acts as the project's nucleus, promoting social engagement among residents. Additionally, the wine tasting pavilion is a focal point, designed for educational and social functions, linking the community to the local viticultural heritage.

Unique Design Approaches

The project stands out due to its thoughtful material selection and innovative design strategies aimed at sustainability. Natural stone features prominently throughout the architecture, establishing a connection with the local landscape. Concrete elements provide structural integrity while integrating modern aesthetics. The use of glass ensures ample natural light, fostering a relationship between the interior and the exterior.

One of the key design innovations is the flexibility of spaces. The residences accommodate varying family sizes and lifestyles through adaptable unit layouts, which can cater to both individual and communal living arrangements. This flexibility not only addresses residential needs but also enhances the potential for community gatherings.

Environmental Responsiveness

The project incorporates several sustainable practices, including the integration of renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines. Its passive solar design optimizes energy efficiency, complemented by thoughtfully designed landscaping that enhances biodiversity and recreational opportunities. These features reflect a commitment to sustainability, reducing the ecological footprint while promoting a healthy living environment.

For additional insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further to understand the depth and breadth of this architectural endeavor.

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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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