Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles And Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Elevate Coastal Retreat Design

Authors:
He Dongming, Xie Yi
Charred Wooden Shingles And Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Elevate Coastal Retreat Design

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels create a robust yet adaptable structure that seamlessly integrates with the coastal cliff environment, serving as a communal retreat for residents seeking connection and tranquility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural integrity and sustainability benefits.
03
The bent A-frame design facilitates natural light penetration and airflow throughout the space.
04
Shared communal areas encourage social interaction among residents in a compact footprint.
05
The integration with the cliffside landscape creates a seamless connection to the surrounding environment.

## Overview

The Cliff Dwelling is located along a rugged coastal landscape, designed to integrate with its natural surroundings while responding to the unique characteristics of the site. Influenced by traditional cave dwellings, the structure combines contemporary architectural practices and materials to create a dynamic living space. The design aims to foster both individual and communal experiences, drawing upon the serene coastal environment to enhance the occupants' connection to the surroundings.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout features four distinct living units arranged in a cohesive formation that promotes interaction among residents while maintaining privacy. Each unit functions independently, allowing for individual retreats, but collectively contributes to shared outdoor spaces. The strategic positioning of these units facilitates natural light and ventilation throughout the interior, with a focus on creating an inviting atmosphere. The interconnected communal areas are designed for versatile use, supporting a variety of social activities while enhancing the living experience.

## Material Selection

Careful consideration was given to the materials used in the Cliff Dwelling to ensure durability in the coastal climate while harmonizing with the landscape. Primarily utilizing wood, the construction includes multiple layers designed for waterproofing and insulation. Wooden decks and timber veneers elevate the aesthetic quality and reinforce the connection to the environment. The material choices contribute not only to the functionality of the structure but also to its integration within the coastal scenery, underscoring the design's commitment to sustainability and ecological sensitivity.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy