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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Timber Cabins in a Woodland Retreat

Authors:
Adam Szekeres, Eszter Réti, Imola Balogh, Fanni Gardos
Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Timber Cabins in a Woodland Retreat
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and prefabricated timber, the retreat offers multiple cabins that harmoniously blend into the forest landscape, providing a functional space for relaxation and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
03
Features a modular assembly approach, allowing for flexibility in cabin configuration based on site conditions.
04
Designed with transparent panels to maximize natural light while maintaining privacy for occupants.
05
Surrounded by a carefully curated landscape that enhances interaction with the natural environment.

## Architectural Design Report: CLIPPER Project

### Project Overview

The CLIPPER project is situated within a forested landscape and consists of a series of cabins, including sleeping cabins, a sauna cabin, and a community cabin. The intent is to create structures that respond to user needs while fostering a connection with the natural surroundings. Each cabin emphasizes modularity, functionality, and an integration with local materials, effectively positioning itself within the wooded environment.

### Cabin Configuration and Functional Design

The project features three distinct cabin types that share a common structural framework, allowing for flexibility in interior space and adaptability to various site conditions:

1. **Sleeping Cabin:** Designed to accommodate four individuals, this cabin includes multifunctional features such as storage and basic cooking facilities, making it suitable for extended stays.

2. **Sauna Cabin:** This smaller structure focuses on relaxation and features an open layout that enhances the sauna experience, incorporating direct access to the outdoor environment.

3. **Community Cabin:** Serving as a central gathering space, this cabin functions both as a dining area and a social hub, facilitating interaction among visitors and enhancing communal experiences within the retreat.

The arrangement of these cabins is strategically designed to minimize ecological disruption while encouraging individual and collective interactions with nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials for the CLIPPER project underscores a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic coherence:

- **Wood:** The primary construction material, sourced from local timber, promotes a lower carbon footprint and blends naturally with the landscape.

- **Plywood Sheets:** Utilized for insulation and structural framing, these sheets enhance thermal performance while contributing to the overall modular design.

- **Metal Roof Sheeting:** Each cabin features a durable, profiled metal roof that provides weather resistance and extends the lifespan of the structures.

- **Transparent Panels:** Integrated in select cabin designs, these panels allow natural light to penetrate interior spaces while maintaining user privacy and enhancing the connection to the outdoors.

This careful consideration of materials reflects an approach that prioritizes environmental responsibility and the creation of a warm, inviting atmosphere for users.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
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