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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Shape a Sustainable Mountain Retreat

Authors:
Juan Rodríguez Contreras, Juan Rodriguez Contreras, Oscar Maciel Gonzalez Duran, Gerardo Arce Marquez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Shape a Sustainable Mountain Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, this mountain retreat integrates sustainable practices with a circular layout to serve as a communal shelter for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and environmental integration.
02
Incorporates locally sourced stone to maintain regional character and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a circular layout promoting communal interaction around a central fire pit.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural stability and rapid assembly.
05
Integrates a water capture system to support sustainable living in the mountainous environment.

### Overview

Haven/Shelter is situated in a mountainous region with design influences drawn from traditional Himalayan architecture. The intent is to create a communal living space that harmonizes with the surrounding environment and respects local cultural narratives. This approach facilitates a refuge for users, promoting social interaction and fostering a connection to nature.

### Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

The architectural layout features a circular design that enhances both functionality and communal interaction. A central fire element serves as the heart of the space, encouraging gatherings and socializing. The inclusion of an upper mezzanine allows for visual engagement and additional gathering opportunities while maintaining an open spatial arrangement. Dedicated storage areas cater to the needs of climbers and visitors, improving operational efficiency within the shelter.

### Material Integration and Environmental Considerations

The project employs locally sourced materials, ensuring durability while integrating with the natural landscape. Wood comprises the primary structural and interior elements, emphasizing sustainability. Stone forms the foundation, providing thermal mass and stability, while steel is utilized for critical structural supports and features such as the wood-burning stove. The incorporation of firewood as a renewable resource underlines the project’s commitment to sustainable living. Additionally, a water capture system minimizes environmental impact while ensuring resource availability in this remote setting.

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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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