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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Timber Define a Coastal Retreat for Creatives

Authors:
Wenbin Wen, Tsz Ching Yannick Lo, Cynthia Sin Tone Leung
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Timber Define a Coastal Retreat for Creatives
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced timber, the design creates a harmonious retreat that fosters creativity and community engagement among poets and artists in a serene coastal setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced timber for structural integrity and environmental sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing spatial efficiency and natural light.
04
Design encourages community interaction through a radial arrangement of huts.
05
Integrates flexible spaces within the communal hub to accommodate various activities.

The Pavilošta Poet Huts represent a significant architectural project designed to provide a serene environment for creative individuals, particularly poets and writers. Situated in a tranquil coastal setting characterized by natural greenery, the project emphasizes a connection to the landscape while promoting community interaction and individual reflection. The layout consists of several huts arranged around a communal hub, offering spaces for both solitary contemplation and shared activities.

Unique Spatial Arrangement

The architectural design features a radial layout centered around a communal hub, which serves as the focal point for social activities and gatherings. Each hut is uniquely designed to cater to the specific needs of its occupant, offering privacy while maintaining accessibility to the central hub. This configuration promotes community engagement and allows for fluid movement between shared and personal spaces. Pathways guide users through the site, enhancing the sense of connection to both nature and fellow residents.

The design prioritizes sustainable practices, utilizing locally sourced timber, stone, and glass. These materials not only minimize the environmental impact but also contribute to the overall aesthetic coherence of the project. The incorporation of large windows in the huts ensures natural light penetrates the space, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior.

Innovative Community and Flexibility

The innovative approach to community building within the design is evident in the flexible nature of the communal hub. This space is adaptable, capable of accommodating various functions, such as poetry readings, workshops, and social events. The design encourages collaborative interaction among residents, facilitating a vibrant creative atmosphere. Features such as retractable roofs enhance the usability of the hub by allowing for outdoor activities under natural light.

Furthermore, the use of natural materials reflects a commitment to eco-friendly architecture, promoting sustainability while honoring local traditions. This blend of modern design techniques with elements of local culture creates a harmonious architectural language that aligns with the surrounding environment.

Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the architectural integrity of the Pavilošta Poet Huts. Timber is predominant throughout the project, used for structural framing and interior finishes. Stone flooring adds durability and establishes a tactile connection to the site’s geological context. Glass elements enhance visual connections to the surroundings, providing a continuous dialogue between the indoors and outdoors.

The overall design of the project embodies a thoughtful consideration of the ecological context and the social dynamics of its inhabitants. By merging individual space with communal areas, the project encourages a balance between solitude and social interaction, an essential aspect for its intended user group.

To explore the architectural details, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that reveal the intricacies of the project, readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation for further insights. Understanding these elements provides a comprehensive perspective on how the design fosters creativity and community engagement within a sustainable framework.

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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.

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