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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Harmonious Retreat for Community Wellness

Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Harmonious Retreat for Community Wellness

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design fosters a deep connection to the surrounding landscape while providing a tranquil retreat for individuals experiencing terminal illnesses.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates therapeutic gardens designed to enhance mental well-being.
02
Utilizes locally sourced stone, creating a strong connection to the historical site.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
05
Includes communal spaces that foster interaction while maintaining privacy for residents.

## Overview

Located in La Franghita, southern France, the facility is designed as a retreat for individuals with terminal illnesses. Its primary intent is to create a contemplative environment that emphasizes comfort and a strong connection to nature. The architectural approach integrates the surrounding landscape and reflects the site's historical context, particularly its proximity to the sea and existing historic structures, such as a former military fortification.

## Spatial Configuration

The design employs an L-shaped layout to effectively organize spaces into two wings: one dedicated to communal living areas, including a kitchen and library, and the other to private bedrooms. This configuration fosters a balance between social interaction and personal privacy, promoting community while respecting individual needs. The building is oriented to maximize views of the horizon and the sea, allowing ample natural light to enhance residents' experience and provide a strong sense of place. Bedrooms are strategically positioned to maintain a direct relationship with the natural surroundings, enhancing comfort and intimacy.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability and local identity. Local stone, prominent in the redoubt’s existing structure, reinforces the historical context of the design. Timber is used in the roof, contributing to a warm atmosphere while allowing expansive projections that strengthen the connection to outdoor spaces. Moulded concrete serves as a durable structural element, embodying contemporary architectural aesthetics, while glass is incorporated to enhance natural light penetration and visual connections with nature. This emphasis on local and natural materials minimizes environmental impact, aligning with the project’s sustainable objectives.

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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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