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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Author:
Adam Majer
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Tranquil Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design seamlessly integrates natural materials to create a tranquil retreat focused on wellness and mindfulness practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural stability and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views of the landscape.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to promote environmental sustainability.
05
Designed with flexible spaces to accommodate a variety of wellness activities and gatherings.

## Overview

Located within a natural setting, the Hut is designed as a retreat that fosters mental tranquility and physical wellness. The project prioritizes the integration of architecture and nature, aiming to create a space that facilitates rejuvenation through practices such as yoga and meditation. The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its surroundings, targeting both functional use and psychological well-being.

## Spatial Strategy

The floor plan of the Hut reflects a multifunctional approach while maintaining openness. Central to the layout is a Yoga/Communal Room, which accommodates both group activities and personal reflection, enhanced by expansive windows that merge indoor and outdoor environments. A Kitchen/Lounge Area serves as a communal gathering space, promoting interaction and community. Bedrooms are thoughtfully designed to provide privacy and comfort, contributing to a restful atmosphere. Overall, the open layout allows for intuitive movement between spaces, with strategically placed windows facilitating cross-ventilation and showcasing views of the surrounding landscape.

## Material Selection

Material choice underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and natural integration. The primary structure is built using locally sourced wood, which lends warmth to the design while reducing transportation-related environmental impact. Interior finishes utilize plywood panels for durability, while pressure-treated options ensure resilience against weather. Dual-pane glass allows natural light to permeate the interior and provides thermal comfort. Roofing is designed to efficiently manage rainwater, supporting sustainability objectives. Such careful material selections enhance not only the building's longevity but also its connection to the natural surroundings.

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

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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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