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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Cozy Rest Cabins Along the Scenic Route

Authors:
Fernanda Nunes, Peterson Olegário
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Cozy Rest Cabins Along the Scenic Route

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the rest cabins along the Euro Velo 6 route blend seamlessly with the landscape while providing cyclists a comfortable and sustainable retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles, the cabins enhance durability and aesthetic appeal through a traditional Japanese technique known as Shou Sugi Ban.
02
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Each cabin features large, strategically placed windows that maximize natural light and provide picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
04
The unique bent A-frame design not only offers a distinctive architectural silhouette but also aids in effective rainwater drainage.
05
Modular configurations allow for adaptable use, enabling the spaces to function as individual retreats or community gathering areas.
The Euro Velo 6 rest cabins represent a thoughtful approach to architectural design, creating a series of modular structures tailored to enhance the experience of cyclists navigating one of Europe’s key cycling routes. This project embodies a commitment to functionality and environmental integration while providing essential amenities for travelers. Each cabin has been conceived as a welcoming space that not only meets practical needs but also fosters connections among users and their surrounding landscapes.

At its core, this project emphasizes the importance of rest and recuperation for cyclists. Recognizing the growing popularity of cycling tourism, the design offers an ideal solution for those seeking refuge from their journeys. The cabins serve multiple purposes, accommodating short stops for nourishment and rest as well as extended stays for those wishing to explore the area. The modular nature of the design allows for flexibility in usage, making it suitable for diverse cyclist needs.

The unique approach of the Euro Velo 6 rest cabins lies in their architectural expression and materiality. The exterior showcases a harmonious blend of wood and concrete, materials that are not only durable but also resonate with the natural environment. Wood, carefully selected for its insulating properties and aesthetic appeal, forms the primary cladding, giving the cabins a warm and inviting character. The construction method reflects an understanding of the local context, enabling the cabins to integrate seamlessly into the landscape they inhabit.

Key architectural elements include a layered facade that mimics natural forms, allowing the structures to recede into their surroundings while standing out as contemporary landmarks along the route. This design choice enhances both aesthetic pleasure and structural performance, creating visual rhythms that draw the eye and provide a unique architectural identity. Large windows and glazed openings enhance these interactions, inviting natural light into the interiors and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, which is crucial for enhancing the visitor experience.

The interior layout of the cabins prioritizes comfort and functionality. Designs include a variety of space configurations to cater to individual or group needs. Basic modules provide essential amenities, while more extensive configurations can include kitchens and communal areas, promoting social engagement among travelers. This versatility ensures that the project serves both the solitary cyclist needing rest and groups wishing to come together and share experiences.

Sustainability plays a significant role in the overall design philosophy of the project. The architects have embraced eco-friendly principles by selecting renewable materials and incorporating passive design strategies. Elements such as natural ventilation and adequate thermal insulation contribute to energy efficiency, aligning the project with contemporary ecological concerns. The commitment to environmental sensitivity is a defining feature of the Euro Velo 6 rest cabins, showcasing how architecture can support both human and environmental well-being.

The rest cabins also aim to enrich the cultural narrative surrounding cycling tourism. By providing well-designed resting points along the Euro Velo 6 route, they reinforce cycling as a viable mode of travel while encouraging more adventurous journeys through European landscapes. This aspect speaks to a growing trend in sustainable tourism, where architecture not only serves functional purposes but also enhances the cultural fabric of an area.

In summary, the Euro Velo 6 rest cabins exemplify an approach to architecture that harmonizes utility, community, and environmental consideration. Through careful material selection, thoughtful design, and a clear focus on user experience, these cabins provide more than just shelter; they create a sense of belonging for cyclists venturing along their journeys. For those interested in further exploring this architectural project, reviewing architectural plans, sections, and designs will offer deeper insights into the innovative ideas that underpin this thoughtful initiative. This project stands as a testament to the potential of good design to foster connection and support sustainable travel in today’s world.
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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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