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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades Create a Sanctuary for Wellness and Recreation

Author:
Maya Teresa Mackenzie
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades Create a Sanctuary for Wellness and Recreation

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with expansive glass facades, this retreat facilitates a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living, offering dedicated spaces for relaxation, recreation, and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and space utilization.
04
Includes dedicated wellness spaces like a yoga pavilion with scenic views.
05
Integrates natural landscaping to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas.

### Overview

El Tiempo Estate is situated on a coastal site that facilitates a harmonious coexistence of nature and wellness. The design aims to serve multiple functions, offering a retreat that caters to relaxation, community engagement, and various recreational activities. The architectural approach prioritizes tranquility while creating an environment conducive to both individual reflection and collective gatherings.

### Spatial Strategy

The estate's layout is strategically organized to support a diverse range of activities. At its center is the main house, designed with an open-concept layout that maximizes the flow of natural light and integrates indoor and outdoor spaces. Surrounding this focal point are two guest accommodations, each offering unique views and privacy. Additional features include a dedicated riding arena designed for equestrian sports, a cross-country course that incorporates various terrains, and wellness spaces including a yoga pavilion and creative areas for art and photography. This configuration facilitates a seamless transition between recreational, social, and restorative experiences.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials at El Tiempo Estate reflects a commitment to both aesthetic and environmental considerations. Concrete is utilized for its structural capabilities while allowing for organic forms that resonate with the surrounding landscape. Expansive glass elements establish a connection with the natural environment, enhancing the overall sense of openness. Wood is used throughout the design, providing warmth and texture, while natural stone is carefully integrated into the landscaping to form pathways and seating areas. The inclusion of sustainable materials ensures that the construction aligns with environmentally responsible practices, thereby reinforcing the estate's philosophy of wellness and ecological mindfulness.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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