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Charred Wood Shingles Frame Interactive Portals for Seamless Nature Engagement

Authors:
Alessandro Pennesi, Salvatore Ponzo, Fabio Romenici, Giuseppe Ponzo
Charred Wood Shingles Frame Interactive Portals for Seamless Nature Engagement

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles define interactive portals that invite visitors to engage with the natural landscape, enhancing the experience of a multifunctional installation focused on reflection and connection with the environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles adapt over time, contributing to the evolving aesthetic of the installation.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural performance while minimizing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design promotes natural ventilation and light diffusion within the space.
04
Interactive portals encourage visitors to engage with both the built and natural environments.
05
Seasonal elements are integrated, allowing the structure to reflect changing times and conditions.
The architectural project "Tellure" explores the intricate relationship between humanity and nature through its innovative design. It features a series of portals that symbolize the stages of human existence while emphasizing the cycles inherent in nature. The structure serves as an interactive installation, inviting visitors to engage with both the built environment and the landscape surrounding it. The project reflects a thoughtful integration of natural elements and materials, revealing insights into the passage of time and human influence on the earth.

Design Intent and Functionality
Tellure operates as a multifunctional installation, attracting visitors for contemplation and interaction. It aims to illustrate the themes of growth, decay, and regeneration, highlighting the importance of our connection to the environment. The portals facilitate movement through the space, each one signifying a distinct aspect of the human experience. This design encourages reflection on personal and collective narratives, prompting visitors to consider their place within the broader context of nature.

Key components of Tellure include:

1. **Portals**: Each portal serves as a threshold, framing views of the landscape and creating a dialogue between the interior and exterior environments. They are designed to evolve over time, allowing natural elements such as wind and rain to shape their form and appearance, further emphasizing the transient nature of the experience.

2. **Material Selection**: The project employs a range of materials including wood, natural stone, glass, and steel. Each material is purposefully chosen to represent various stages of life and technological advancement. For instance, wood conveys growth and connection to nature, while steel signifies human innovation.

3. **Spatial Arrangement**: The layout of the installation is intended to create a sense of journey. Visitors navigate through the structure, encountering different atmospheres and perspectives that evolve with each portal passed. This spatial arrangement fosters engagement and introspection.

Unique Design Approaches
Tellure distinguishes itself through its commitment to natural integration and cyclical design. The architects intentionally designed the installation to allow for weathering and natural alterations, recognizing that the construction will transform over time due to environmental factors. This approach invites visitors to witness the evolution of the installation, fostering a deeper connection between the human experience and the natural world.

Moreover, the thematic focus on seasonal transitions creates a dynamic interplay between design and the environment. By incorporating concepts related to the cycles of nature, Tellure becomes more than just a static installation; it serves as a living manifestation of the ongoing relationship between humans and their surroundings.

Engagement with architectural plans, sections, and diverse design elements is encouraged for those seeking to delve deeper into the technical aspects and narrative structure of Tellure. The investigation of architectural ideas within this project offers valuable insight into contemporary architectural practices and the underlying philosophies shaping them. Exploring these details can enhance appreciation of the intricate connections between architecture and the environment.
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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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