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Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Solar Design in a Modern Family Residence

Authors:
Urosh Nikoloski, Tamara Stefanoska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Solar Design in a Modern Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and passive solar design, the residence achieves a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and environmental efficiency, serving as a sustainable family home in the heart of Santa Teresa.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for added weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity and minimize environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and improve ventilation.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to support sustainable water management.
05
Employs native plant landscaping to reduce maintenance and promote local biodiversity.

### Overview
The Retreat Villa is located in Santa Teresa, designed to create a harmonious interaction between modern architecture and its natural surroundings. This residential project aims to provide a tranquil living environment that respects the rugged beauty of the landscape while integrating contemporary architectural principles.

### Spatial Strategy
The villa features a well-considered floor plan that promotes fluid movement and interaction among its various spaces, including a master bedroom, additional bedrooms, a kitchen, dining and living areas, an office, and utility spaces. The open-plan layout serves as the central hub of the home, maximizing natural light and offering expansive views of the surrounding wilderness, thus fostering a sense of community and connection among residents.

### Material Selection
The material palette is thoughtfully curated to enhance both aesthetics and durability. Concrete is used for structural stability, while large tempered glass windows and sliding doors facilitate energy efficiency and natural ventilation. Timber provides warmth and texture, particularly in interior cladding and cabinetry. Natural stone elements link the design to the site’s geology, and metal accents in stainless steel and aluminum contribute to a modern aesthetic.

### Environmental Integration
The Retreat Villa demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through various design features. Passive solar design optimizes orientation and window placement for natural light and thermal comfort, reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. A rainwater harvesting system is incorporated to enhance water conservation, while native landscaping minimizes water usage and maintenance needs. This design approach results in a low-profile structure that blends into the terrain, with outdoor pathways and patios promoting a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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