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Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Envelop a Community Retreat in a Forest Setting

Authors:
Loreta Comba tohmé, Julian Fontanazza
Charred Wooden Shingles and Laminated Timber Envelop a Community Retreat in a Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and laminated timber, the design integrates with its forest surroundings to create a multi-purpose retreat that fosters community interaction and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create structural stability with reduced carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for exceptional natural light penetration.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems support ecological sustainability.
05
Flexible interior layouts adapt to various communal and individual activities.

The project, Natural Transition, is situated in Vale de Moises, a location characterized by rich natural landscapes. This architectural design emphasizes a seamless integration with the environment, fostering a connection between the constructed space and the natural world. The primary function of this project is to serve as a retreat that supports individual reflection and community interaction while adhering to sustainable practices.

This project incorporates various living units, referred to as capsules, designed for comfort and privacy while maximizing views of the surrounding landscape. The arrangement of these units encourages exploration, with pathways leading to shared spaces for communal activities. The architecture employs an open floor plan that enhances flexibility, allowing spaces to be utilized for multiple purposes, including relaxation, yoga, and social gatherings.

The unique design approaches evident in this project highlight its ecological sensitivity and innovative techniques. First, it utilizes locally sourced materials, such as laminated wood panels and reinforced concrete, to minimize transportation impact and ensure sustainability. The design features solar panels integrated into the roof structure to provide renewable energy, while rainwater harvesting systems contribute to resource management on-site. This emphasis on sustainability is coupled with a focus on natural light, achieved through large windows and glass walls that facilitate a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor environments.

Another distinctive aspect of the project is its emphasis on movement through space. The architect has created transitional areas, such as bridges and viewing platforms, which guide the experience and encourage interactions with nature and within the community. These features promote a mindful engagement with the surroundings, illustrating the project’s commitment to enhancing well-being through architectural design.

Natural Transition stands out not only for its aesthetic integration with the landscape but also for its functional design that prioritizes environmental stewardship. Visitors and users can appreciate an architecture that reflects a deep respect for nature while providing spaces that cater to both individual needs and communal experiences.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the design, it is recommended to explore the project presentation, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas, to gain deeper insights into the thoughtful approach taken throughout this project.

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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
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