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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Walls Create a Harmonious Coastal Residence

Author:
Carlos E Hernandez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Walls Create a Harmonious Coastal Residence

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles enveloping expansive glass walls, this coastal residence integrates sustainable materials to enhance the connection between indoor living and the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinctive finish while enhancing fire resistance.
02
Expansive glass walls maximize natural light and views of the coastal landscape.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength and sustainability.
04
A bent A-frame design contributes to unique interior spatial qualities.
05
Integral outdoor spaces promote seamless transitions between living areas and nature.

### Project Overview

Located on the shores of Red Beach in Garrison, Florida, "The Bluff" exemplifies a modern retreat designed to engage with its natural context. The project reinterprets traditional waterfront architecture, establishing a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces to promote both social interaction and personal reflection. This design is structured around a series of interconnected pavilions that prioritize harmony with the landscape.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Organization

The architectural design employs a distinctive gabled roof, reminiscent of barn structures, which enhances water drainage and provides structural integrity during adverse weather conditions. The layout thoughtfully arranges communal and living areas to encourage interaction among inhabitants while still offering private retreats. This configuration maximizes visual connectivity to the landscape, allowing occupants to enjoy extensive views and fostering a sense of tranquility within the environment.

### Materials and Sustainability

The material palette selected for "The Bluff" emphasizes sustainability and ecological consideration. Locally sourced woods provide warmth and character, linking the architecture to traditional building methods and the surrounding environment. Dark metal panels serve as cladding, contrasting with the natural materials while ensuring durability and low maintenance. Expansive glass walls enhance spatial openness and invite natural light, while concrete elements contribute to structural stability and landscape integration. These choices collectively reflect a commitment to sustainability, aiming to minimize the ecological footprint while enhancing the living experience.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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