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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Unique Retreat in the Countryside

Author:
Matteo Mizzaro
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Unique Retreat in the Countryside

Project in-detail

Combining the warmth of cross-laminated timber with the earthy texture of charred wooden shingles, this architectural retreat offers an intimate space that embraces the surrounding vineyard landscape, serving as both a serene getaway and a functional gathering place.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of cross-laminated timber panels enhances structural integrity while promoting rapid construction.
02
Charred wooden shingles not only provide weather resistance but also deliver a unique aesthetic appeal.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes headroom while creating a visually striking silhouette against the landscape.
04
The project features extensive sliding glass openings that create seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors.
05
Strategically positioned terraces encourage interaction with the surrounding vineyard and utilize the site’s natural topography.
The architectural project known as the “Cabin” embodies a thoughtful integration of design and its natural context, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape characterized by rolling vineyards. This project serves as a refuge that invites interaction not only with nature but also among its users, positioning itself as a multifunctional space for gatherings and relaxation.

At its core, the Cabin represents a shift towards an architecture that prioritizes the experience of space and place. The design consists of two distinct volumes: Volume A, which serves as the main room for larger activities, and Volume B, a smaller, more intimate area suitable for private gatherings. These volumes are arranged thoughtfully to facilitate a flow that encourages exploration and engagement with the environment. This spatial organization reflects a modern understanding of the dynamics between privacy and communal interaction, making the Cabin both versatile and welcoming.

The choice of materials is integral to the project's ethos, aiming not only for aesthetic appeal but also for sustainability. The structural components predominantly feature cross-laminated timber, known for its strength and eco-friendly properties. This choice ties the architecture closely to sustainable practices, ensuring that the building resonates with its natural surroundings. The foundation and terrace utilize concrete, providing a stable base that contrasts with the warmth of the timber above. Natural fiber insulation contributes to energy efficiency, ensuring that the Cabin maintains a comfortable internal climate year-round.

The design of the Cabin is notable for its extensive use of large sliding glass walls that dissolve boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. This innovative approach invites natural light into the living areas while framing picturesque views of the landscape, making the environment an integral part of the interior experience. The exterior aesthetic is characterized by a clean, modern facade that respects the simplicity of its rural context, emphasizing geometric forms that mirror the lines of the terrain.

The project’s landscaping further enriches the architectural expression. The shared terrace between the two volumes serves not only as a physical connector but also as an outdoor space for gatherings, enhancing the experience of being outdoors while remaining connected to the Cabin’s refuge. Planters and green elements are woven into the design to reinforce a sense of sustainability and to promote biodiversity in the area.

One of the unique design approaches in the Cabin project is the clear intention behind its orientation and volume placement, which strive to maximize user interaction with the natural landscape. Each space is designed to accommodate various functions, allowing for flexibility in its use. By offering both public and private areas, the project caters to a wide range of activities while ensuring that the natural beauty of the site is always a focal point.

For individuals keen on understanding the nuances of architectural design, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural details of the Cabin presents an opportunity to gain deeper insights into this thoughtful project. This exploration will illuminate the way architecture can foster connections between people, their environment, and the experiences that unfold within such a setting. The Cabin stands as a concrete example of how thoughtful design principles can lead to spaces that are not only functional but also deeply intertwined with the context they inhabit. Consider diving deeper into the presentation of the Cabin to appreciate the finer details of its architectural ideas and to witness how design can reflect a profound relationship with nature.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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