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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Retreat Along the EuroVelo Route

Authors:
Evan Webber, Averill Dimabuyu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Retreat Along the EuroVelo Route

Project in-detail

Designed with charred wooden shingles and grounded in local stone, the structure harmonizes with its rural setting while offering a welcoming retreat for cyclists along the EuroVelo route.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates charred wooden shingles, improving durability and fire resistance while enhancing its visual texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and energy efficiency, minimizing the overall carbon footprint.
03
Large sliding doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, allowing for natural ventilation and abundant daylight.
04
The modular design allows for flexible use, easily accommodating different group sizes and social interactions.
05
Local stone integrates the structure within its landscape, ensuring a connection to the regional architectural heritage.
The Byre-Dwelling project is a thoughtfully designed architectural endeavor that places a strong emphasis on functionality while paying homage to traditional building forms. Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Europe, this project serves as a crucial stop along the extensive EuroVelo cycling route, seamlessly blending modern living with the historical essence of rural architecture. By integrating elements of local vernacular styles, the Byre-Dwelling offers both travelers and cyclists a unique experience that reflects the character of the surrounding environment.

The project represents a response to contemporary needs within a historical context. Its primary function is to provide shelter and amenities for users traversing the cycling route, creating a welcoming space that fosters a sense of community and interaction. The design accommodates diverse groups, inviting travelers to pause, relax, and enjoy the connection with nature, making it an essential element of the journey through the countryside.

At the heart of the Byre-Dwelling's design are modular sections, each dedicated to specific functions like the kitchen, washroom, bedroom, and communal spaces. This modularity facilitates flexible configurations according to the varied needs of occupants, whether for brief stops or longer stays. Large sliding doors maximize the flow between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing natural light to flood the interior while offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. This approach not only enhances the living experience but also promotes natural ventilation and passive solar heating, aligning with sustainable design practices.

Materiality plays a vital role in the Byre-Dwelling, as every choice reflects both environmental consciousness and aesthetic resonance. Timber is the primary building material, chosen for its warmth and renewability, serving as structural support and cladding that connects the building to its natural surroundings. Local stone is used for walls, adding durability and a sense of place, while also providing excellent thermal mass, crucial for energy efficiency. Extensive use of glass in large openings invites the exterior landscape into the living spaces, blurring the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. Steel reinforces structural elements, aligning with modern engineering standards while ensuring the design remains lightweight and agile.

One of the unique design approaches of the Byre-Dwelling is its dedication to community engagement. The layout not only caters to privacy through strategically placed individual spaces but also promotes social interaction through communal areas designed for gatherings. This duality of function reflects a deep understanding of human behavior and the social aspects of travel. Users are encouraged to connect, share experiences, and engage with one another in an inviting and flexible environment.

The sustainability aspect of the Byre-Dwelling is underscored by thoughtful energy strategies, including potential installations of renewable energy solutions such as solar panels or wind turbines, which support the building's energy needs. This commitment to eco-friendly practices resonates with the values of modern architecture, ensuring that the project not only provides shelter but does so in a way that respects and uplifts the environment.

Overall, the Byre-Dwelling is an exemplary architectural project that exemplifies a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. It stands as a testament to thoughtful design principles that prioritize functionality, sustainability, and user experience. To explore more about the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind the Byre-Dwelling, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation for additional insights and details.
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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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