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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Harmonious Retreat Fostering Connection with Nature

Authors:
Gabriel Ciosu, Beatrice Anton
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Harmonious Retreat Fostering Connection with Nature

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the design seamlessly integrates into the environment while serving as a wellness retreat focused on fostering personal reflection and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone to enhance regional authenticity.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that promote rapid construction and sustainability.
04
The design emphasizes natural light with extensive glass elements for energy efficiency.
05
Includes a biodiverse landscape design that integrates native flora to support local ecosystems.
The Ozolini Organic Sanctuary is an architectural project designed to create a restorative and immersive experience in nature. Situated in a lush, verdant environment, the sanctuary merges contemporary architecture with natural elements, functioning as a retreat for reflection and well-being. The design aims to enhance the relationship between individuals and their surroundings, utilizing sustainable practices that remain mindful of the local context.

The sanctuary operates primarily as a wellness retreat, offering spaces for meditation, relaxation, and community interaction. It focuses on promoting mental and emotional health through thoughtful spatial arrangements and material choices. The project is characterized by its integration of the four classical elements: earth, air, water, and fire, which serve as guiding principles for both the architectural form and the occupant experience.

Unique Design Approaches
One notable aspect of the Ozolini Organic Sanctuary is its commitment to incorporating local materials, such as stone and wood, which contribute to its organic aesthetic and sustainability goals. The use of locally sourced materials not only minimizes the carbon footprint of the project but also creates a strong connection with the surrounding landscape.

The architectural design features a dual-pitched roof, clad in dark tiles, which respects traditional rural aesthetics while adding modern functionality through the integration of solar panels. This innovative approach to energy efficiency positions the sanctuary as a forward-thinking project aligned with contemporary environmental standards.

The interior layout is designed to maximize natural light and airflow, utilizing large windows and glass walls that dissolve boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The central living area, accentuated by a fireplace, serves as a communal gathering point, fostering social interaction and shared experiences among visitors.

The sanctuary includes diverse seating areas and relaxation zones, enhancing the options for social engagement or private reflection. The careful arrangement of space facilitates a fluid transition between various functions, encouraging users to engage deeply with both the architecture and the surrounding nature.

Sustainable Features
Beyond aesthetics, the sanctuary emphasizes sustainability through innovative design strategies. The incorporation of solar panels enhances energy efficiency and reduces operating costs. Rainwater harvesting systems, along with green landscaping techniques, contribute to resource conservation.

The careful selection of natural materials, in combination with energy efficiency innovations, reflects a broader commitment to environmental stewardship. This project embodies architectural ideas that prioritize not only user experience but also ecological responsibility.

The Ozolini Organic Sanctuary represents a thoughtful synthesis of architecture and nature, emphasizing sustainability, wellness, and community. To gain a comprehensive understanding of this project, including its architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation further. By examining these elements, one can gain deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas that shape this unique sanctuary.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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