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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Serene Retreat in Contemporary Rural Living

Authors:
Alessandro Carlodalatri, Francesco Cavaterra
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Serene Retreat in Contemporary Rural Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the design integrates seamlessly with the landscape to create a contemporary dwelling that promotes tranquility and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Landscaped pond designed as both aesthetic and ecological cooling element.
05
Interior spaces include built-in niches for multifunctional use and organization.

### Overview

Located in a tranquil rural setting, the Soulscape House embodies the principles of Japanese aesthetics, with a specific focus on the Wabi-Sabi philosophy that values beauty in imperfection and transience. This architectural design aims to create a harmonious relationship with its natural surroundings, enhancing the experience of serene living while promoting a deep integration with the landscape.

### Spatial Composition

The spatial organization of the Soulscape House emphasizes connectivity and fluidity. Open-plan areas for living, dining, and kitchen functions are designed to promote interaction and foster a communal atmosphere, while still allowing for individual reflection. Ample natural light is a fundamental element, achieved through skylights and strategically placed windows that illuminate the interiors, creating a vibrant living environment. In contrast, private sleeping quarters are intentionally designed to offer a sense of intimacy and comfort, utilizing soft materials and muted color palettes.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection is a critical aspect of the design, focusing on sustainability and the integration of natural textures. Natural stone is used extensively for both exterior and interior elements, providing an organic aesthetic that connects the structure to the earth. Wood features prominently in roofing and interior accents, adding warmth and textural variation, while concrete is incorporated for its durability in foundational elements and select interior walls. Glass is utilized to enhance the connection with the surrounding landscape, allowing for abundant natural light without compromising the visual integrity of the design. This careful material strategy not only enhances the visual appeal but also aligns with sustainability goals, ensuring a low environmental impact.

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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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