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Charred Wooden Shingles and Carbonated Wood Create Tranquil Living Spaces in a Remote Forest Setting

Author:
Koray Inal
Charred Wooden Shingles and Carbonated Wood Create Tranquil Living Spaces in a Remote Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and carbonated wood, the residence’s tilted form harmoniously connects with its forested surroundings, offering thoughtfully designed spaces for mindful living and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Carbonated wood is employed throughout for its sustainability and durability, reducing environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light while providing a unique silhouette against the forest landscape.
04
Expansive glass panels create a seamless connection between interior spaces and the surrounding nature.
05
The meditation room is strategically located for tranquility, promoting mindfulness within a serene environment.
The Split House project represents a thoughtful exploration of contemporary architecture situated in Latvia, blending modern living with the cultural essence of traditional Latvian homes. This architectural design serves as both a residence and a demonstration of how thoughtful design can harmonize with the landscape, offering a serene living experience that encourages connection to the surrounding environment. The house is conceived with a sleek, modern aesthetic while incorporating elements that recall the simplicity and functionality of historical constructions.

Functionally, the Split House comprises several distinct spaces that facilitate various activities. The layout includes a living area, kitchen, shower, storage, meditation room, and a porch area, each serving a unique purpose while contributing to the overall flow of the home. The configuration is designed to promote both social interaction and personal reflection, with open spaces that invite communal gatherings and retreat areas for solitude. This dual approach to space usage reflects a modern understanding of lifestyle needs, accommodating both family dynamics and individual peace.

A key feature of the Split House is its innovative use of form and materiality. The structure exhibits a distinctive split design, creating an intriguing visual effect while maximizing the benefits of natural light. This strategic manipulation allows the architecture to adapt to its site, resulting in varying ceiling heights and open voids that foster a sense of spatial dynamism. The integration of large windows and sliding glass doors blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, enabling residents to engage meaningfully with nature on a daily basis.

The material choices further enhance the sustainability and aesthetic of the project. The use of carbonated wood for structural elements showcases a commitment to environmental responsibility, providing durability and warmth without extensive resource consumption. Plywood’s versatility in flooring and wall systems reinforces the idea of simplicity and functionality prevalent in Latvian architecture. Additionally, tree bark roof shingles not only offer weather protection but also contribute to the overall camouflage of the structure, seamlessly blending it into the wooded backdrop. The inclusion of glass elements supports energy efficiency, allowing for passive heating while enriching the interiors with sunlight.

The meditation room and porch stand out as unique design approaches within the project. The meditation room is thoughtfully placed to ensure a tranquil experience, making it an essential component of the residential layout that demonstrates the importance of mindfulness in daily life. Meanwhile, the porch extends the living area outdoors, promoting engagement with the environment and creating an inviting space for leisure and social interaction.

Overall, the Split House is an exemplary piece of modern architecture that thoughtfully considers function, form, and ecological impact. Its design embodies a sensitivity to both heritage and the contemporary lifestyle, making it a model for future architectural projects in similar contexts. There is a wealth of detail to be explored regarding the architectural plans and sections that articulate the project’s design philosophies. Readers interested in delving deeper into architectural ideas and understanding how such designs can harmonize with their environments are encouraged to explore the comprehensive presentation of the Split House.
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MICROHOME
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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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