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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Craft a Forest Retreat

Authors:
Cirilo Leal cabrera, Jenny Del pino díaz
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Craft a Forest Retreat

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a harmonious blend with the forest environment in a residential retreat designed for immersive nature experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while blending with the forest aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light and views of the surroundings.
04
Integrated green walls promote biodiversity and improve air quality within the space.
05
Modular layout supports flexible use, accommodating varying occupant needs and activities.
The architectural design project situated in the dense forests of Lithuania emphasizes a balance between human habitation and the natural environment. It leads with a solid cube form and integrates a series of sustainable and functional design elements that serve both the inhabitants and the surrounding ecosystem.

The structure is crafted to enable a profound interaction with nature while providing a protected retreat. The design features large glass openings that allow natural light to permeate the interior, fostering a seamless connection with the outside landscape. The careful use of materials ensures thermal comfort while minimizing environmental impact.

Integration with the Site
The project stands out for its commitment to sustainability. It employs materials such as timber, glass, stone, and metal grids with specific attention to their environmental roles. Timber is primarily used for the structural framework, valued for its low thermal conductivity and ecological footprint. The expansive use of glass creates transparency, allowing occupants to experience the forest visually and aurally, while the stone elements provide thermal mass, ensuring a stable internal climate.

Unique features include the incorporation of green walls that support local biodiversity and assist in temperature control. The modular design allows for flexibility in space utilization, with living areas reorganized depending on daily activities. Outdoor spaces are seamlessly woven into the indoor environment to enhance the user experience and promote daily engagement with nature.

Functional Configuration
The interior layout of the building is divided into three distinct yet interconnected phases: source, hold, and collect/use. These stages reflect the daily rhythms of the occupants, from gathering natural resources to maintaining comfort. Each space serves a purpose: communal areas promote interaction, while private zones encourage reflection and tranquility. The design prioritizes movement through the spaces, allowing users to experience the structure organically as they transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

The architectural plans illustrate these functional distributions and can offer deeper insights into the spatial relationships within the design. Detailed architectural sections reveal the building's thermal dynamics and insulation strategies, showcasing a practical approach to environmental challenges.

To explore a comprehensive understanding of this project, consider reviewing the architectural plans and sections. They provide a valuable resource for discovering the intricate details, spatial arrangements, and architectural ideas that contribute to the project's overall design philosophy.
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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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