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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Shape a Sustainable Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Alkistis Damoraki, Charidimos Skapoulas, Alkistis Damoraki
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Shape a Sustainable Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design merges sustainable materials with multifunctional spaces to create a wellness retreat centered on healing and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard designed to promote community interaction and social cohesion.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces.
05
Dedicated treatment rooms equipped for diverse therapeutic practices within a communal setting.

## Analytical Report: Healing Commune Architectural Design Project

### Overview
Located in a serene setting, the Healing Commune is designed as a self-sufficient hermitage that promotes inner peace, purpose, and wellness. The intent of the project is to foster a profound connection with nature while providing spaces that encourage both individual introspection and community interaction. This architectural response to contemporary societal stressors emphasizes alternative tourism focused on inner healing and sustainable living.

### Spatial Arrangement and Functionality
The layout of the Healing Commune integrates various multifunctional spaces that support both communal engagement and personal reflection. A central courtyard serves as the focal point, facilitating movement between buildings and enhancing social interaction. Key features of the site plan include a dining area that promotes communal meals, a library dedicated to quiet contemplation, and treatment spaces for diverse healing practices. The design incorporates a Privacy Sector that offers solitude, aligning with the traditional hermitage concept, while an Agricultural Sector underscores a commitment to sustainability through local food production.

### Material Selection and Design Principles
The use of materials is pivotal to the commune’s aesthetic and functional objectives. Local stone provides durability and visual coherence, while interior wood elements contribute warmth and a natural ambiance. Large glass openings are strategically placed to maximize natural light and foster a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. The design principles reflect a focus on solar orientation for energy efficiency and symbolic configurations that align with the project's holistic mission.

The incorporation of spa facilities inspired by ancient Roman baths introduces dedicated spaces for rejuvenation, consisting of hot and cold chambers designed to echo historical healing practices while accommodating contemporary needs.

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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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