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Charred Wood Shingles and Stucco Panels Create a Versatile Community Retreat Embracing Nature

Authors:
James Palka, Danielle Lands
Charred Wood Shingles and Stucco Panels Create a Versatile Community Retreat Embracing Nature

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and insulated stucco panels, this community retreat seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings to facilitate both solitude and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features insulated stucco panels for improved thermal efficiency and comfort.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to create dynamic interior spaces and maximize natural light.
04
Includes meandering pathways that encourage exploration and interaction among users.
05
Designed with flexible units to support diverse activities from solitary reflection to community events.
The Poet's Playground is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that integrates natural landscapes with spaces for community engagement and individual reflection. This project serves as a multi-functional retreat, fostering both solitary experiences and social gatherings, embodying a connection between built environments and nature.

The design’s layout features a network of winding pathways that connect various units, promoting exploration and interaction. Central to the layout is a gathering area, equipped with a fire pit, providing a focal point for community activities and discussions. Each structure within the project maintains a distinct form while remaining harmoniously integrated into the surrounding environment.

Unique Design Approaches to Interaction and Nature

What distinguishes the Poet's Playground is its deliberate focus on fostering human interaction while respecting the ecological context. The pathways encourage visitors to engage with the landscape as they navigate through the space. Individual units are designed to accommodate a variety of functions, from art workshops to quiet meditation spots, allowing for both active and reflective experiences.

The architectural design emphasizes transparency and openness, featuring large windows and permeable walls that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. These elements enable natural light to flood the interiors while creating visual connections with the landscape. This design approach enhances the user experience by establishing a direct relationship with the surroundings, making nature a core aspect of the architectural experience.

Materials and Sustainability

The Poet's Playground utilizes a selection of materials chosen for their durability and minimal environmental impact. Engineered insulated stucco panels provide thermal efficiency, while spruce plywood is used for interior finishes, adding warmth and texture. These material choices reinforce the project's commitment to sustainability and create a cohesive aesthetic throughout.

Overall, the architectural design reflects an understanding of human behavior and interaction within community settings. By integrating environmentally conscious materials and creating adaptable spaces, the Poet's Playground establishes itself as a notable example of contemporary architecture that values both the individual and the community.

For a complete understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas surrounding this project, explore the full presentation to gain deeper insights into its execution and intentions.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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