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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Form a Sustainable Residence Embracing Mountain Views

Author:
Goran Koprivica
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Form a Sustainable Residence Embracing Mountain Views

Project in-detail

Using locally sourced stone and charred wooden shingles, the design integrates seamlessly into its mountainous environment, creating a sustainable residence that prioritizes energy efficiency and visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone to enhance ecological integration with the surrounding terrain.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
04
Designed with large overhangs to optimize passive solar gain and reduce heat loss.
05
Includes a vertical garden that promotes biodiversity and improves air quality.
The Mountain Lamp is an architectural design project situated in a mountainous coastal region. This structure embodies a commitment to sustainable living, intertwining the built environment with the natural landscape. The architecture is oriented to enhance energy efficiency and comfort while maximizing visual connections with the surrounding vistas. The building's layout includes a living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and communal spaces, all designed with functionality in mind, prioritizing both individual privacy and community interaction.

The project emphasizes its ecological ethos through the careful selection of materials and structural techniques. Walls are primarily constructed from locally sourced stone, allowing the residence to seamlessly blend into the rugged terrain. Large windows optimize natural light and ventilation, while also reinforcing visual engagement with the outside environment. The incorporation of a vertical garden and outdoor terraces enhances both aesthetic appeal and environmental interaction, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality around the structure.

Sustainable Design Features
A distinctive aspect of The Mountain Lamp is its integration of renewable energy systems. By utilizing solar panels on its roof, the project aims for net-zero energy use, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. High-performance insulation materials are incorporated throughout to maintain comfortable temperatures year-round, minimizing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. The design considers the environment and the inhabitants' comfort, creating a balanced living space that responds to the natural climate.

Another unique feature of this architectural project is its multi-functional outdoor areas. The design encourages the use of outdoor spaces for social gatherings and personal recreation, fostering a sense of community among residents. The careful arrangement of gardens, pathways, and terraces promotes accessibility and connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. This thoughtful approach makes The Mountain Lamp not just a residence but also a welcoming retreat for its inhabitants.

Architectural Detailing and Material Use
Attention to detail is evident in the selection and application of materials throughout The Mountain Lamp. Natural finishes of wood are used extensively for both structural elements and interior features, providing warmth and comfort to the spaces. Recycled metal elements are strategically included in the roofing and structural connections, showcasing the project’s sustainability efforts. The incorporation of high-quality glass for windows and doors enhances the interior daylighting without compromising durability and energy efficiency.

Architectural sections and plans reveal the careful consideration of space utilization and material interactions within the design. The Mountain Lamp operates effectively within its environment, employing materials like local stone, wood, glass, and recycled metal. These choices reflect a broader architectural idea that seeks to harmonize human inhabitation with nature, demonstrating that modern architecture can be both functional and environmentally responsible.

For further insights into The Mountain Lamp, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Reviewing these elements can provide a deeper understanding of the unique architectural ideas that inform this project and the design outcomes achieved.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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