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Charred Wooden Shingles and Circular Design in a Communal Retreat

Authors:
Mateusz Jaworski, Martyna Słowińska, Mikołaj Szewczyk
Charred Wooden Shingles and Circular Design in a Communal Retreat
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Circular structures clad in charred wooden shingles create a communal retreat designed for fostering interaction and connection in a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular arrangement promotes egalitarian social interaction.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
The design integrates renewable energy solutions for off-grid living.
05
Communal hearth serves as a focal point for storytelling and gathering.

### Overview
Located in an uninhabited landscape, the design entitled "Gathering" is conceived to enhance communal interaction among travelers and visitors. The project focuses on creating shared experiences and fostering a connection with nature, drawing from historical concepts of communal living where storytelling and bonding were central.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout comprises a cluster of modular structures arranged around a central communal space. This design facilitates gatherings by providing an intimate atmosphere centered on a communal hearth, which serves as both a source of warmth and the focal point for various activities. The central gathering area features a circular arrangement, adaptable to different group sizes and uses, such as dining and artistic expression. Surrounding the central space, individual cabins serve specific functions like sleeping and private retreats while balancing communal living with personal privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials emphasizes sustainability and harmony with the environment. Predominantly sourced timber is utilized for external cladding and internal structures, fostering a natural connection to the surroundings. Stone elements, potentially used in foundations, enhance stability and impart a rustic aesthetic. The strategic inclusion of glass maximizes natural light and offers views of the landscape. These choices reflect a commitment to eco-friendly practices, including renewable energy integration and efficient layout strategies, which further support a self-sufficient lifestyle rooted in ecological awareness.

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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

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Competition organisers

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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