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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Harmonious Retreat Experience

Author:
Maria Krichevsakaya
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Harmonious Retreat Experience

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a seamless blend of modern aesthetics and natural surroundings, offering a tranquil retreat for communal living and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create open, flexible interior spaces that adapt to various uses.
03
A bent A-frame design contributes to effective rainwater runoff and natural ventilation.
04
Native plants in landscaping promote biodiversity and reduce environmental impact.
05
The layout encourages social interaction with communal areas placed centrally among private accommodations.
The project under analysis represents a compelling intersection of architecture and nature, designed with the intent to provide a serene and functional retreat for its visitors. This architectural endeavor emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices while promoting community interaction through its layout and design. The buildings have been thoughtfully arranged within a natural landscape, creating a harmonious fusion of the constructed and the organic.

At its core, the project serves primarily as a hospitality venture, offering a range of accommodations that cater to diverse guest needs. The design facilitates various communal and private spaces, ensuring that while visitors can retreat to their individual huts, they can also engage in social activities within shared areas. The array of structures includes a host accommodation hut, single and double huts, a hut designed for four people, a multifunctional space, a common kitchen and dining area, and a designated meditation zone. These components work together to create a cohesive environment that prioritizes both solitude and social connection.

Key aspects of the design reflect a careful consideration of materiality and the regional context. Predominantly utilizing wood as the primary construction material establishes a warm and inviting aesthetic while aligning with sustainable practices by potentially sourcing locally. Reinforced concrete is employed strategically for foundational stability and the durability of outdoor pathways, ensuring longevity and functionality. Additionally, the use of metal cladding on roofs and exterior walls provides a contemporary finish, contrasting beautifully with the natural wooden components.

The spatial organization of the project highlights an innate understanding of human interaction with the environment. Pathways are artfully integrated into the landscape, allowing for easy movement between structures without detracting from the surrounding flora. The central multifunctional space acts as the heartbeat of the community, designed to accommodate a variety of activities ranging from workshops to social gatherings. The common kitchen and dining hut further enhance this communal spirit by offering shared culinary experiences that encourage interaction among guests.

The architectural style emphasizes modern minimalism, characterized by clean lines and geometric forms that flow harmoniously within their setting. One of the innovative design approaches is the dual-pitched roofs, which serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. This element of design facilitates natural ventilation, promoting thermal comfort while adding a distinctive character to the overall profile of the buildings. The meditation area strategically placed near water features underscores the project’s commitment to creating tranquil spaces that foster reflection and relaxation.

Sustainability is a guiding principle behind this architectural project. The careful selection of native plants for landscaping not only enhances the aesthetic value but also promotes biodiversity, aligning the project with ecological stewardship. Water management systems integrated into the design contribute to environmental balance while nurturing the connection between architecture and the surrounding ecosystem.

In summary, the project represents a thoughtful approach to modern architecture that prioritizes community, sustainability, and a connection to nature. Its design offers an array of functions that cater to diverse visitor needs while encouraging social interaction. For those interested in gaining further insights into the architectural ideas and plans that brought this vision to life, exploring the detailed architectural designs, sections, and plans of the project will provide a valuable experience in understanding its conceptual framework and execution.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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