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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enveloping Community Spaces in a Natural Setting

Author:
Abre Etteh
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enveloping Community Spaces in a Natural Setting
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Charred wooden shingles complement cross-laminated timber structures in a thoughtfully designed community space that seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape and supports wellness initiatives.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes space and maximizes natural light.
04
Extensive integrated gardens foster biodiversity and community interaction.
05
Natural ventilation strategies enhance indoor air quality and comfort.

### Project Overview

Set within a verdant landscape, this design focuses on integrating functional spaces that complement the natural environment. The arrangement of interconnected structures promotes an efficient flow between indoor and outdoor areas, striving to enhance usability year-round while paying homage to local cultural contexts.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout comprises distinct yet complementary components, each tailored to fulfill specific functions. Key elements include:

- **Spa and Wellness Center:** Central to the design, this facility is equipped with therapy rooms, a sauna, and relaxation spaces, all strategically designed to capture abundant natural light and foster tranquility.

- **Guest House:** This accommodation features individual bedrooms and communal areas that ensure comfort and privacy while offering views of the surrounding landscape.

- **Kitchen, Dining, and Seasonal Gardens:** Serving as the hub of domestic activities, this area connects indoor and outdoor gardening experiences, encouraging engagement with nature through culinary practices.

- **Staff Accommodation:** Designed for functionality, this section provides comfortable living quarters discreetly located within the site context.

### Material Selection

The design prioritizes local materials that reflect ecological and cultural sensitivity. Notable materials include:

- **Timber:** Used extensively for structural and aesthetic purposes, enhancing the warmth of interior spaces.

- **Stone:** Selected for its durability, this material anchors the structures within the landscape, harmonizing with the regional geology.

- **Clay:** Employed for its thermal efficiency and historical significance, reinforcing traditional construction methods.

- **Glass:** Large glass panels facilitate visual connectivity with the outside environment, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors.

### Sustainability Initiatives

The design incorporates several sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact. Key features include passive solar strategies to maximize energy efficiency and rainwater harvesting systems to conserve resources. This commitment to sustainability reflects both environmental responsibility and a dedication to user comfort and resilience.

The overall design illustrates a calculated interaction between the built environment and landscape, with planned gardens that evolve with the seasons, enhancing the user experience and fostering a connection with nature.

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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

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Eligibility Open to all
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