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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Shape a Community Focused Retreat Amidst Nature

Authors:
Jad Abdel Nour, Elsa Abi Ramia, Victoria Hachem
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Shape a Community Focused Retreat Amidst Nature
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Crafted with charred wooden shingles and topped with green roofs, this community-focused retreat integrates natural elements into its design to promote wellness and social interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates green roofs to support local biodiversity and manage stormwater.
03
Features modular spaces designed for flexible community engagement.
04
Integrates healing pools into the landscape for wellness-focused relaxation.
05
Employs passive design strategies to optimize energy efficiency throughout the year.

The Agrarian Idyll project is a contemporary architectural design situated in Quinta do Monte d’Oiro, an area celebrated for its agricultural backdrop. This project integrates living spaces with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing a connection to nature while promoting community engagement. The architecture employs sustainable practices and materiality to create a harmonious environment that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.

The project is organized into distinct zones, each with defined functions. These include areas for communal interaction, wellness, private living, and market activities. The layout promotes the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, utilizing landscaping features like green roofs and walls, which enhance the overall ecological approach. The design reflects a philosophy rooted in the biblical verse John 15:5, which highlights the importance of interconnectedness in life.

Integration of Natural Elements and Ecological Strategies

One of the unique aspects of this project is its dedicated focus on sustainability in every dimension. The use of materials such as concrete, glass, wood, and metal illustrates an intentional balance between durability and environmental compatibility. Green roofs not only serve as insulation but also help to manage stormwater and promote biodiversity. The architectural design incorporates passive heating and cooling strategies, reducing the energy load while maintaining comfort for the occupants.

Innovative spatial arrangements incorporate features like healing pools in secluded outdoor environments to facilitate relaxation and wellness. The architectural design maximizes the views of the surrounding vineyards and natural landscapes, enhancing the experience of residing or visiting the site. Flexible spaces adapt to various functions, from communal events to individual retreats.

Architectural Details and Community Integration

The architectural details are meticulously designed to reflect the project’s commitment to community and well-being. Shared spaces foster social interactions while emphasizing local agriculture through farmers’ markets within the communal areas. This encourages a sense of local pride and supports sustainable economic practices.

The overall design promotes a lifestyle that honors both the individual and the collective. It features areas for physical activities such as yoga and meditation, reinforcing the project’s focus on health and community. The well-defined connections between elements create a cohesive living experience that nurtures engagement with nature and one another.

For those interested in gaining further insights, it is encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of the Agrarian Idyll project. These elements provide a deeper understanding of the functional layout and the design philosophies that underpin this innovative approach to contemporary architecture.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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