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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Harmonious Mountain Retreat

Authors:
Rozalia Balint, Peter Vrasko, Hajnalka Ildikó Dizseri-szilágyi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create Harmonious Mountain Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the design embodies a sustainable approach that integrates seamlessly with the mountainous terrain, offering a tranquil retreat for nature-focused tourism.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views while maintaining a compact footprint.
04
Employs a biosourced weatherproofing system to protect the wooden structure from environmental elements.
05
Designed with adaptable communal spaces to foster social interaction among visitors while preserving privacy.

## Project Overview

Located in the mountainous region of Central Europe, the PEAK Cabins project aims to enhance sustainable mountain tourism through an architectural design that respects and integrates with the natural environment. The cabins consist of two compact units designed to engage visitors with the surrounding landscape, fostering a connection with nature while adhering to sustainable design principles.

## Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The layout of the cabins prioritizes open-planned interiors that facilitate interaction and community among guests while also allowing for moments of solitude and reflection. Transitional spaces, such as terraces, extend the living areas outdoors, inviting residents to engage with the natural landscape. The minimalist aesthetic ensures that the design complements rather than competes with the surroundings, creating a calming environment through thoughtful simplicity in both architectural and interior elements.

## Material Selection and Sustainability Features

Materiality plays a crucial role in the PEAK Cabins, emphasizing sustainability and integration within the local context. Locally sourced wooden cladding and natural stone elements connect the structures to their geographic setting, while cellulose insulation and a biosourced weatherproofing system enhance energy efficiency and longevity. The cabins incorporate self-sustaining energy solutions and effective water management strategies that reduce dependence on non-renewable resources and minimize ecological disruptions. The adaptable design accommodates a variety of user groups, enriching the overall visitor experience and ensuring relevance across diverse preferences.

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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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