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Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Views Defining Elevated Living Spaces

Authors:
Juliette Saez, Lucas Delaire
Charred Wooden Shingles and Panoramic Views Defining Elevated Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing, this elevated dwelling harmonizes with its mountainous surroundings to provide flexible living spaces for recreation and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from charred wooden shingles, enhancing fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing for unobstructed panoramic views.
03
Incorporates modular design elements for flexible use and adaptability.
04
Utilizes a sloped A-frame structure to optimize natural light and ventilation.
05
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system to promote sustainable water management.
The Vertical Room is an architectural project designed to integrate living spaces with the surrounding mountainous landscape. This structure optimizes verticality, allowing occupants to navigate multiple levels while experiencing varying elevations and perspectives. It functions as a multi-purpose dwelling, promoting leisure, relaxation, and direct engagement with nature.

The project is organized into three levels, each serving a specific purpose. The ground floor features an open entryway and storage for outdoor equipment, creating a welcoming atmosphere for active users. The second level serves as a relaxation area, designed for mindfulness and leisure, with large windows that invite ample natural light and views of the landscape. The uppermost level provides private quarters, offering an intimate space for solitude and rest, complemented by design elements such as strategically placed shutters that optimize both privacy and scenic views.

Unique Design Approaches

This project employs a modular architectural strategy that emphasizes sustainability and interaction with the environment. One notable feature is the use of extensive glazing, particularly floor-to-ceiling windows, which enhance the spatial experience by creating seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces. This strategy not only maximizes natural light but also fosters a strong connection to the natural landscape.

The integration of terraces throughout the design creates outdoor spaces that encourage interaction with the environment, providing users with multiple vantage points. The structure's wood material palette reflects a commitment to sustainability, marrying human habitation with the natural context. The use of sustainably sourced timber contributes to both aesthetic warmth and environmental responsibility.

Architectural details such as a central staircase facilitate vertical circulation, reinforcing the project's emphasis on connectivity among different levels. Additionally, solar panel installations on the roof further underscore the project's commitment to energy efficiency, aligning with contemporary sustainability standards.

Sustainability is further enhanced by clever design elements, including integrated water management solutions that promote responsible resource usage. This attention to environmental impact positions the Vertical Room not only as a living space but also as a model for future architectural endeavors focused on ecological harmony.

For further insights into the Vertical Room project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. This will provide a deeper understanding of the innovative architectural choices and functional aspects that define the design.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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