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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Harmonious Seasonal Retreat

Author:
Sara Haugen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Harmonious Seasonal Retreat

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop cross-laminated timber structures, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, emphasizing seasonal adaptability within a multi-functional retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while integrating with the natural environment.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and thermal performance.
03
The bent A-frame design facilitates natural light flow and panoramic views.
04
Seasonal rooms are designed for specific climatic conditions, promoting year-round use.
05
The building features a green roof that supports local biodiversity and reduces runoff.

## Overview

Located near Oslo, Norway, the project serves as a multifunctional space designed to enhance user engagement with the changing seasons. The design focuses on facilitating contemplation and interaction with the natural environment, encouraging users to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape. The layout comprises distinct zones that accommodate various activities and seasonal needs, reflecting a deep understanding of the natural cycles within the site.

## Spatial Configuration

The architectural organization features a series of interconnected structures extending from a central hub, promoting fluid movement and exploration within the building. Notable areas include a common area that integrates large openings for expansive landscape views, a quiet chapel designed for introspection, and seasonal rooms configured to meet specific requirements, such as providing warmth in the winter and shade in the summer. This configuration fosters a dynamic user experience, allowing for both social interaction and solitary reflection.

## Material and Sustainability Integration

Material selection plays a vital role in establishing the project’s character. Predominantly utilizing wood for structural elements contributes warmth and comfort, while local stone grounds the building within its geographical context. Glass is strategically employed to enhance transparency and facilitate a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, enabling natural light to penetrate throughout.

Sustainability is a core principle, evident through the use of locally sourced materials, passive solar design, and rainwater harvesting. Noteworthy sustainable features include a green roof that integrates with the landscape and provides insulation, along with landscaped areas that enhance biodiversity and mitigate erosion.

The design’s attention to seasonal adaptability, materiality, and sustainability reflects a commitment to creating a built environment that harmonizes with its natural surroundings, fostering a meaningful user experience.

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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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