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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Materials Shaping a Family-Centric Lakeside Retreat

Author:
Pierre Fortunel
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Materials Shaping a Family-Centric Lakeside Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and locally sourced materials, this lakeside residence emphasizes family connectivity while seamlessly integrating with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity while minimizing material use.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and panoramic views of the lakeside.
04
Utilizes passive solar principles to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
05
Includes communal spaces strategically designed to foster family interaction while maintaining privacy.
The Shelter is an architectural project designed to serve as a tranquil retreat situated at the edge of a lakeside. This project emphasizes harmony with the natural environment while catering to the needs of its residents. The design promotes sustainability, utilizing local materials and engaging with the landscape through its form and function. The architecture offers both communal and private spaces, reinforcing social interaction among occupants while allowing for personal privacy.

The project represents a contemporary interpretation of vernacular architecture, drawing inspiration from local construction practices. The design's primary function is to provide a comfortable and cohesive living space for two families, blending seamlessly into the surrounding biosphere. The layout accommodates shared activities while providing private areas, ensuring a balanced living experience.

Sustainable Material Selection
The Shelter employs a variety of materials that enhance its ecological credentials and aesthetic appeal. Wood is used extensively throughout the structure for its renewable qualities, creating a warm interior environment. The inclusion of masonry provides a robust foundation that is visually appealing and structurally sound. Natural thatching serves as roofing material, integrating the building visually with its surroundings while offering insulation benefits.

Concrete plays a crucial role in element specification, ensuring durability and longevity. The expansive use of glass allows for ample natural light and views of the lake, effectively blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This careful selection of materials emphasizes not only sustainability but also the architectural identity of the project, resonating with its context.

Design Strategy and Spatial Configuration
The architectural design of The Shelter features a series of elongated volumes that respond to the site’s topography. This approach creates distinct zones for communal living while facilitating interaction between families. The open-plan communal areas are oriented towards the lake, offering scenic views and direct access to outdoor spaces. Private quarters are strategically placed to ensure acoustic and visual privacy, promoting a sense of retreat within the home.

Attention to detail in both interior and exterior design enhances the user experience. Elements such as overhanging roofs provide shade and protection from the elements, while outdoor terraces extend the living area into the landscape. The building's elevation variations respond to the natural contours of the site, further integrating it within the environment.

For further insights into The Shelter, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, explore the project presentation to examine the thoughtful architectural ideas that underpin this noteworthy design.
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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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