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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form a Sustainable Retreat in a Rural Setting

Authors:
alice ferro, Francisca Macarena Carvacho Muñoz
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form a Sustainable Retreat in a Rural Setting

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels converge in a design that reflects the surrounding rural landscape, offering a sustainable retreat with versatile spaces for relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a durable, weather-resistant exterior while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction waste and improve structural performance.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes indoor space while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
04
On-site furniture is constructed using local materials, minimizing transportation impacts.
05
The eco-green area features native plants, promoting biodiversity and environmental adaptability.
The Origamic Folds architectural project is situated within a rural landscape, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The design emphasizes a connection to nature while drawing inspiration from origami, where flat surfaces transform into complex structures. This project features a series of interconnected volumes that create diverse spatial experiences, characterized by their fragmented form. Each space is designed to cater to a specific function, encompassing areas such as a Guest House, Service Area, Spa, and Dining Area, all centered around an eco-friendly garden adjacent to a pond.

The project represents a contemporary approach to architecture that prioritizes sustainability and community interaction. By employing a design that mirrors traditional countryside cabins, it reconciles modern aesthetics with the historical context of rural architecture. The layout encourages both privacy for individual spaces and communal interactions, promoting a sense of belonging among users.

The unique design approach is evident in the project's structural elements. Each volume’s orientation and configuration enhance views of the natural landscape while allowing for effective natural light infiltration. The design’s adaptability to the site’s topography showcases custom solutions tailored to the environment rather than generic architectural responses. The use of large windows and green roofs further integrates the indoor and outdoor environments, encouraging a harmonious relationship with nature.

Innovative material choices underpin this architectural endeavor. The exterior is clad in blackened wood, establishing a bold contrast with the landscape while adhering to local building traditions. Concrete serves as a foundational material, reinforcing structural integrity and allowing for the creation of functional furniture on-site. Incorporating glass and metal in specific areas enables natural light maximization and thermal efficiency. The choice of locally sourced wood reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact of material transportation.

The design also positions itself as an ecological and social resource. The eco-green area not only serves recreational purposes but also acts as a community gathering space, promoting shared experiences among visitors and residents alike. Sustainable strategies, including rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels in the greenhouses, are integrated into the overall design to enhance environmental responsibility.

For those interested in exploring this architectural project further, detailed insights can be gained by reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented. These elements provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural methods employed and the thought processes behind the design choices.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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