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Charred Wooden Shingles Accentuate High-Altitude Retreat Crafted From Engineered Timber

Authors:
Sandra Kołaczek, Kamil Kuligowski
Charred Wooden Shingles Accentuate High-Altitude Retreat Crafted From Engineered Timber

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and engineered timber, this high-altitude cabin offers a responsive design that harmonizes with its mountainous surroundings while providing a functional retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that minimizes snow accumulation while maximizing interior space.
04
Utilizes a rainwater collection system to support off-grid living in a remote setting.
05
Large glass panels provide panoramic views, creating a seamless connection with the natural environment.

### Overview

Located in a mountainous region, the design intends to establish a versatile living space that reconnects occupants with nature while ensuring comfort and functionality. The approach emphasizes ecological sensitivity and spatial adaptability, making it suitable for high-altitude environments. The structure embodies a "trekking cabin" concept, characterized by its angular geometric form that references the surrounding landscape, and aims to serve as a refuge in the wilderness.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The layout of the cabin is optimized for efficiency, featuring multifunctional elements that maximize limited space. Transformable living areas include cleverly designed hidden beds that can fold away, allowing the living room to be reconfigured based on occupancy needs. The integration of kitchen and bathroom facilities ensures the cabin remains practical for extended stays while emphasizing a compact design. Attention to safety and privacy is reflected in the overall layout, promoting both communal interaction and personal space for users.

### Material and Sustainability

The architectural design employs solid timber for the structural framework, complemented by engineered timber in the roof construction, facilitating innovative shapes and spans. The use of extensive glass in the façade enhances natural light penetration and creates visual connections to the exterior landscape. Sustainability is addressed through the incorporation of photovoltaic cells for energy capture and a rainwater collection system to support water conservation. These features align with the project's ecological objectives, while the sturdy construction ensures resilience against severe weather conditions typical of the region.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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