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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Retreat in the Forest

Authors:
Omar Rincón Rueda, Julio Serrano Dehesa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Retreat in the Forest

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates seamlessly into its forested surroundings while offering a tranquil retreat that fosters relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and visual contrast against the natural surroundings.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural stability while promoting eco-friendly construction.
03
An integrated interior garden supports biodiversity and enhances indoor air quality.
04
The design features a bent A-frame structure, optimizing space and acoustics for communal areas.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems are implemented for irrigation and resource conservation.

### Architectural Design Report: Forest Treasure Chest

#### Project Overview

"Forest Treasure Chest" is situated in a forested area near a lagoon, designed to create a serene retreat that emphasizes connection with nature. The layout features three interconnected blocks that facilitate communal engagement while ensuring private spaces for reflection. The overarching intent is to provide a refuge that encourages occupants to renew their relationship with their surroundings and rejuvenate their well-being.

#### Spatial Strategy and Layout

The architectural configuration comprises three distinct blocks:
- **Block 1**: Guest accommodations featuring private bedrooms.
- **Block 2**: Areas dedicated to communal activities and therapeutic practices.
- **Block 3**: Shared family zones, including a dining area.

This arrangement promotes multifunctionality, allowing for flexible use of spaces while maintaining individual privacy. Designed partitions and multifunctional communal areas foster interaction, creating a balanced environment for both socializing and solitude.

#### Materiality and Sustainability

The construction employs a selection of sustainable and context-sensitive materials:
- **Charred Wood (Exterior)**: This treatment enhances durability while providing a visually striking facade.
- **ETFE (Exterior)**: Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene is utilized for greenhouse facades, permitting natural light entry and supporting energy efficiency.
- **Glass**: Large glass panels extend the interior to exterior experience, optimizing views of the landscape.
- **Steel**: Incorporated for structural integrity, it enables open interior spaces while ensuring stability.

The material choices reflect an emphasis on sustainability, with an aim to minimize environmental impact through the use of locally-sourced resources.

#### Innovative Features

Interior gardens are integrated into each block, promoting biodiversity and improved indoor air quality. Climate control strategies are implemented through passive heating and cooling mechanisms, with features such as water collection systems, solar energy solutions, and natural ventilation via strategically placed openings. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting and filtration system is designed to manage water sustainably and efficiently.

The functional planning of the interior spaces aligns with the intended use, incorporating areas that maximize natural light and ventilation. Dedicated spaces for wellness and relaxation, alongside adaptable communal areas, serve a range of activities while enhancing the overall user experience.

---

### **Materials Used**
- Charred Wood (exterior)
- Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)
- Glass
- Steel

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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