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Charred Wooden Shingles And Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Harmonious Retreat Amidst Nature

Authors:
Nevena Balalic, Katarina Petrovic, Marina Ilic
Charred Wooden Shingles And Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Harmonious Retreat Amidst Nature

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design offers a seamless blend with its natural surroundings, creating tranquil spaces for contemplation and social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances fire resistance while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to a lightweight yet structurally sound framework.
03
The design incorporates elevation changes to create varied spatial experiences throughout the site.
04
Strategically placed openings promote natural ventilation and maximize daylight without compromising privacy.
05
Modular components allow for flexibility in assembly and adaptability to different locations.
The architectural project "Fragments" is an exemplary exploration of the relationship between built structures and their natural context. This design is centered around creating a series of interconnected spaces that facilitate thoughtful engagement with the environment, blending seamlessly into the landscape characterized by rivers, mountains, and varied topography. The project represents an innovative approach to architecture, emphasizing interactions that occur within these interconnected zones while promoting a deep sense of connection to nature and community.

At its core, "Fragments" serves as a multifunctional space that encourages users to experience the site in various ways—whether for relaxation, contemplation, or social interaction. The design reflects a clear understanding of human experience within architecture, as it prioritizes user engagement through strategically placed service points that cater to basic needs, such as sleeping and dining, while also providing areas for reflection. Each segment of the project is thoughtfully designed to evoke a different emotional response, encouraging a dynamic relationship between the visitor and the landscape that surrounds them.

The architectural arrangement combines solid and void elements, creating a rhythm of openness and enclosure that allows for diversity in function. There are dedicated spaces for various activities, including communal gathering and quiet meditation. The elevation changes throughout the structure lend it an intriguing character, enhancing spatial experience and promoting a continuous interaction with the surrounding scenery. These thoughtful design decisions illustrate an intentionality that goes beyond aesthetics, serving to facilitate interactions and foster connections.

Materiality plays a critical role in the project's identity. The predominant use of wood as the primary construction material aligns with sustainable architectural practices and emphasizes a strong connection to the local environment. Wood is chosen not only for its aesthetic qualities and versatility but also for its sustainable sourcing practices, embodying a commitment to environmentally conscious design. Steel is incorporated for structural support, ensuring stability while complementing the warmth of the wood. The overall material palette is coherent, promoting a sense of harmony between the natural elements and the manmade interventions.

Unique design approaches within "Fragments" include its modularity, allowing for potential adaptability and ease of construction. This flexibility allows the project to be deployed in diverse environments, making it a pragmatic solution for varied landscapes. Additionally, the project employs a narrative structure informed by the symbolic journey of a flowing river, suggesting a path of continuous discovery and connection. Each design element serves a purpose within this narrative framework, underscoring the interrelation of built spaces and the experiences they generate.

The careful integration of landscaping enhances the architectural experience, with pathways that blend seamlessly into the terrain, inviting users to traverse the site and encounter its various elements. As users navigate through the spaces, they are drawn into a sensory experience that emphasizes the richness of nature—sights, sounds, and textures become part of the interaction, enriching the overall experience of the architecture.

In summary, "Fragments" stands as a thoughtful response to the complexities of its environment, offering a multi-layered architectural experience that fosters connection to nature and community. This project invites viewers to explore its architectural plans, sections, and designs in greater detail, providing a comprehensive understanding of its innovative ideas and engaging spaces. By considering how architecture can enhance the human experience within a natural landscape, "Fragments" contributes meaningfully to the ongoing discourse of contemporary architectural practice. The architectural ideas presented here encourage a reassessment of how we interact with our environment and the experiences that can be cultivated through thoughtful design. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into this project presentation, exploring the intricate connections between architecture and nature that "Fragments" exemplifies.
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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