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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Tranquil Retreat in Forest Setting

Author:
Juan manuel Rebay eder
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Tranquil Retreat in Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed from charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design offers a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with the forest environment while providing essential living spaces for reflection and solitude.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances both natural light and ventilation.
04
Utilizes a modular layout to maximize functionality within a compact footprint.
05
Designed to facilitate mindfulness and reflection, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

The project "Poetic Dwelling" alongside "Fragments of Lunacy" explores contemporary architectural design through a lens of simplicity, functionality, and interaction with the natural environment. The design consolidates a series of unique structures situated within a forested setting, where each component reflects both aesthetic appeal and practical living solutions. The underlying concept advocates for a thoughtful relationship between architecture and its surroundings, encouraging a lifestyle that emphasizes mindfulness and introspection.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the project, utilizing locally sourced materials such as timber for cladding, concrete for structural support, and metal for roofing. This choice not only reinforces environmental responsibility but also ensures durability and functionality. The focus on natural materials integrates each structure seamlessly into the landscape, enhancing the user experience by fostering a connection to nature.

The "Poetic Dwelling" functions as a small cabin, providing essential living spaces while promoting a minimal lifestyle. Key design features include a multi-pitched roof that harmonizes with the tree line, and a strategically placed entrance that invites occupants to transition from the external environment into a serene internal space. The layout comprises a compact kitchen, a multifunctional living area, and sleeping quarters designed to maximize space efficiency.

In contrast, the "Fragments of Lunacy" component presents an exploration of irregular and fragmented architectural forms. This segment showcases diverse configurations that play with angles and orientations, challenging conventional notions of design coherence. Each fragment serves as an independent entity that reflects adaptability to various contexts, inviting occupants to engage with the space in different ways. The variation in heights and roof types also contributes to a dynamic relationship between internal spaces and the surrounding landscape, fostering an evolving atmosphere of exploration and discovery.

A significant aspect of this project is its ability to provoke thoughtful interaction between individuals and their environment. By consciously considering the materials and layout, the design encourages occupants to reflect and find tranquility within natural settings. The simplicity in design language and the careful consideration of spatial organization present a deliberate move away from ostentation, focusing instead on essential living experiences.

To gain a deeper understanding of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs presented. These elements provide valuable insights into the design thought process, spatial relationships, and material selections that characterize the "Poetic Dwelling" and "Fragments of Lunacy."

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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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