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Charred Wooden Shingles and Fiber Cement Create Sustainable Community Spaces Overlooking Nature

Authors:
Hossein Nazari, Shahab Shariat bahadori, Amirhossein Mohammad
Charred Wooden Shingles and Fiber Cement Create Sustainable Community Spaces Overlooking Nature

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and fiber cement, this design emphasizes modularity and sustainability within a serene cliffside setting, fostering both community engagement and individual retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates modular design elements to accommodate various user needs and configurations.
03
Features fiber cement cladding for low maintenance and energy efficiency.
04
Offers panoramic cliffside views through large glazed openings.
05
Promotes natural ventilation with strategically placed ceiling windows.
The Life Cottage architectural project embodies the principles of sustainable living and community engagement, specifically curated for a unique geographical context in Portugal. The design emphasizes both interaction and privacy, making it suitable for individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. The architectural layout facilitates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments, taking advantage of the scenic cliffside views.

The project features a modular layout that promotes social sustainability, catering to various communal activities while providing private retreat areas. The modular construction allows flexibility in spatial configuration, enabling users to adapt spaces according to their needs. This approach is further enhanced by the selection of sustainable materials that align with the project's ethos of environmental responsibility.

Innovative Passive Design Approaches

The Life Cottage distinguishes itself through its passive design strategies that minimize energy consumption while maximizing comfort. Natural ventilation is prioritized, with strategically placed ceiling windows that enhance airflow. The building orientation is optimized for solar access, which reduces dependency on mechanical heating and cooling systems, thereby promoting energy efficiency.

The integration of large glazing elements facilitates a strong relationship with the landscape, allowing ample natural light into the space and connecting occupants visually with their surroundings. This design choice reflects an understanding of how daylight affects well-being and enhances the user experience.

Versatile Functional Spaces

The project incorporates various multifunctional spaces that cater to different activities, including communal gatherings, recreational pursuits, and relaxation. The layout of these spaces supports social interactions while maintaining a sense of personal privacy. The architecture facilitates a flow that encourages community engagement without compromising individual comfort.

The use of local, sustainable materials such as fiber cement and natural wood enhances the aesthetic appeal and contributes to the project's resilience. These materials not only cater to functional demands but also resonate with the regional character, ensuring that the design is sensitive to its environment.

In summary, the Life Cottage project presents an effective synthesis of sustainable architectural principles, innovative passive design, and community-oriented functionality. For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas that shaped this project, explore the presentation details to gain deeper insights into its distinctive features and overall vision.
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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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