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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade Create Tranquil Retreat Nestled in Nature

Author:
Andrew Glicksberg
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facade Create Tranquil Retreat Nestled in Nature

Project in-detail

Suspended between towering trees, the retreat embraces charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades that reflect its natural surroundings, creating an inviting sanctuary for relaxation and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The floating bar serves as a central service core, streamlining functionality while enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
02
A dedicated meditation space is ingeniously positioned above the bathroom, optimizing vertical space for tranquility.
03
Expansive glass facades create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing guest immersion in nature.
04
Charred wooden shingles are used not only for visual impact but also to improve durability and weather resistance.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels are incorporated for sustainable structural integrity, showcasing modern construction methods.
The Romantic Retreat is a thoughtfully designed architectural project that embodies the essence of a tranquil getaway, offering a serene escape nestled within a lush natural landscape. This project seeks to create a space where guests can reconnect with nature while indulging in modern comforts, establishing a harmonious balance between rustic charm and contemporary amenities. By emphasizing the relationship between the built environment and its surroundings, the design reflects a commitment to sustainability and mindful living.

At its core, the Romantic Retreat serves as a multifunctional space designed for relaxation, intimacy, and leisure. It caters to individuals and couples seeking respite from the everyday bustle, integrating spaces for both social interaction and personal retreat. The architectural layout is sensible and intuitive, allowing for easy navigation throughout the different areas of the retreat while maintaining a sense of privacy and exclusivity.

The central feature of the retreat is the innovative floating bar, which acts as a visual anchor and functional heart of the design. This element not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the retreat but also serves as a service core, where various utilities are concentrated. The incorporation of this design solution simplifies the plumbing and functionality of the space, making it practical while simultaneously serving as an artistic element. The wooden structure contrasts beautifully with natural stone cladding, elevating the overall material palette and providing visual warmth that resonates throughout the retreat.

Each of the retreat's spaces is meticulously designed to optimize both comfort and connection to the landscape. The bedroom and lounge area is spacious and airy, with large glass panels that invite natural light and provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding scenery. This design encourages a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the lush greenery outside. Access to an outdoor terrace reinforces this connection, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and informal gatherings.

The dining and kitchen area exemplifies the project’s holistic approach to functionality and social interaction. It is designed as a communal space that invites gatherings over meals, enhancing the communal living experience. The layout encourages culinary exploration while ensuring that beautiful views are always integral to the dining experience. Careful attention to lighting design enhances the overall ambience, allowing for adjustments depending on the time of day and desired mood.

Functional elements such as the bathroom area are also designed with tranquility in mind, featuring strategic skylights that introduce natural light and provide a sense of openness. The inclusion of a large glass window not only enhances the bathing experience but also connects the user to the beauty of the outside world, making it feel like an extension of nature.

One notable aspect of the Romantic Retreat is its meditation space, located above the bathroom and accessible via a pull-down ladder. This unique approach optimizes vertical space and creates an intimate setting for mindfulness and relaxation, further promoting the retreat's overarching theme of wellness. Such innovative design choices contribute to the overall character of the project, providing guests with opportunities for introspection and reflection.

The architectural design reflects a comprehensive understanding of materiality. The project creatively employs natural stone to anchor the structure within its landscape while utilizing wood for warmth and comfort. The extensive glass elements contribute to the transparency of the design, effectively blurring the boundaries between indoor living and outdoor experiences. Steel is incorporated in structural elements such as the roofing, ensuring durability while enhancing the modern aesthetic.

Overall, the Romantic Retreat stands as a strong testament to thoughtful, intentional design that prioritizes the guest experience and respects the surrounding environment. With its blend of functionality, aesthetics, and a strong connection to nature, this architectural project serves as a perfect escape for those looking to unwind. For those interested in exploring more about this innovative project, reviewing its architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas can provide deeper insights into the unique elements and features that define this retreat.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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