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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Spaces Create A Remote Work Hub in Mountainous Terrain

Authors:
Maxwell Friedman, Rand Pfeifer
Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Spaces Create A Remote Work Hub in Mountainous Terrain

Project in-detail

With a façade of charred wooden shingles and intelligently designed flexible spaces, the facility serves as a multifunctional hub for remote work, seamlessly integrating into the mountainous landscape of Estes Park.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural integrity and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and integration with the landscape.
04
Adaptable spaces cater to diverse work styles and community interactions.
05
Gondola lifts connect the site to recreational areas, improving accessibility.

### Project Overview

HomeAway is situated in Estes Park, Colorado, an area characterized by its seasonal tourist economy and natural beauty. The design aims to redefine traditional office spaces in response to the growing prevalence of remote work, particularly catalyzed by recent societal changes and environmental considerations. By integrating community-focused elements and modern workspace requirements, the project seeks to create an adaptable environment conducive to both productivity and social interaction.

### Architectural and Spatial Strategy

The architectural form features a multi-level structure with an asymmetrical roofline that reflects the surrounding mountainous landscape. This design approach incorporates sweeping curves and angular shapes, harmonizing contemporary aesthetics with natural elements. The layout is intentionally flexible, accommodating diverse user needs through designated areas such as a recreation floor with a yoga room and exercise zones, as well as a main conference room equipped with advanced technology for hybrid meetings. These spatial arrangements foster collaboration and enhance the overall user experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is central to the project’s vision, with an emphasis on local resources to minimize environmental impact. Key materials include wood for both structural and aesthetic purposes, glass to maximize natural light, stone to integrate with the rugged terrain, and steel for structural support. This thoughtful choice not only contributes to visual appeal but also reinforces sustainability. The design also incorporates gondola lifts, improving accessibility and connecting residential areas with commercial spaces, thereby promoting a cohesive community environment.

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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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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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