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Charred Wooden Shingles and Aluminum Framing Elevate Public Spaces in a Fault Line Environment

Authors:
Océane Stadelmann, Elodie Serrant
Charred Wooden Shingles and Aluminum Framing Elevate Public Spaces in a Fault Line Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and lightweight aluminum framing, the design weaves elegant gangplanks through a fault line landscape, creating an immersive public space that harmonizes with nature while inviting exploration and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance durability while seamlessly blending with the natural landscape.
02
Elevated gangplanks are carefully crafted to trace the contours of the fault line, offering unique vantage points and minimizing disturbance to the terrain.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and contribute to the project's sustainability objectives.
04
Observation pods are suspended over the fault, allowing visitors to engage intimately with the geological features below.
05
The use of aluminum framing ensures a lightweight structure that maintains aesthetic elegance while facilitating efficient construction.
The project under analysis is an architectural design that integrates seamlessly into a mountainous terrain marked by a fault line. This design represents a thoughtful exploration of the relationship between natural landscape features and the built environment. By engaging with the geology of the location, the architecture embodies principles of resilience and connectivity, capturing the essence of a landscape that is both rugged and vulnerable.

The primary function of this architectural project is to serve as an observatory and a public space, inviting visitors to interact with the surrounding natural beauty. The design encourages exploration, enabling individuals to ascend through various elevations while providing opportunities to pause and appreciate the dramatic vistas offered by the fault line. The layout includes a series of elevated gangplanks and observation decks, facilitating movement throughout the space while maintaining minimal intrusion on the environment.

Key components of the project include the gangplanks, which trace the contours of the fault line, resembling delicate stitches that bind the landscape together. These elevated walkways are designed to offer diverse viewpoints and experiential moments, guiding visitors through a curated journey in nature. The observation decks are strategically placed at critical vantage points, enabling individuals to contemplate the expansive scenery while taking a moment for quiet reflection.

The reception area welcomes visitors with a warm and inviting atmosphere, reinforcing the project's focus on community gathering. The design fosters social interaction through accessible spaces such as self-service kitchens and communal areas, promoting a sense of connection among guests. Observation pods, which extend outward from the main structure, provide intimate spaces for viewing and experiencing the environment while emphasizing the harmony between the natural and the built.

An important aspect of this architectural project is its material selection, which aligns with its environmental ethos. The use of burnt wood sourced from local timber introduces a tactile connection to the landscape, while metal lattice frames constructed of aluminum and steel ensure structural integrity without overwhelming the surroundings. The incorporation of triple-glazed windows allows for ample natural light, embracing the views while enhancing thermal efficiency. Additionally, sustainable practices are highlighted through the use of recycled materials and dry-blown cellulose insulation, reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.

What distinguishes this project is its unique design approach that emphasizes a dialogue between architecture and the landscape. Rather than competing with the geological features, the design aims to celebrate the terrain's natural beauty and geological significance. The interplay of elevated paths and viewing platforms facilitates a unique engagement with the fault line, directing attention to its distinct characteristics and offering visitors a broader understanding of the surrounding environment.

This architectural design successfully weaves together the themes of exploration, resilience, and connection, promoting a deeper appreciation of both the built environment and the natural world. For those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs in greater detail, further investigation into this project will reveal the innovative ideas and thoughtful considerations that contribute to its overall impact. Engaging with the architectural elements can provide valuable insights into the design strategies employed and the motivations behind this meaningful project.
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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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