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Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Frame Create A Sustainable Retreat for Cyclists Along The EuroVelo Route

Authors:
Yasuyuki Kawanishi, Tomohiro Himeno, Yuichiro Kato
Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Frame Create A Sustainable Retreat for Cyclists Along The EuroVelo Route

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and a robust steel frame frame a modular haven along the EuroVelo route, providing essential amenities for cyclists while seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the design enhances longevity while minimizing maintenance.
02
The modular layout allows for customizable configurations based on specific site needs and user requirements.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability while promoting sustainability through renewable materials.
04
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and offers enhanced natural light through strategic glazing.
05
Integrated communal spaces foster social interaction and engagement among travelers and local communities.
The architectural project titled "Trace" is a thoughtfully conceived design that embodies the principles of sustainable architecture while enhancing the experience of the cycling community along the EuroVelo route. By seamlessly integrating into the landscape, this project aims to provide cyclists and travelers with a functional space that encourages interaction with both the environment and local culture. The design reflects a deep understanding of the contextual nuances of various geographical locations, including serene country roads, picturesque campsites along the Danube, tranquil forest national parks, and vibrant central plazas.

At its core, "Trace" symbolizes connectivity—not just between the physical spaces it occupies but also among the people who use those spaces. The architecture serves a dual purpose: it functions as a supportive infrastructure for cyclists, providing essential amenities, while also creating a welcoming environment that fosters community gatherings. The project’s modular design offers versatility, allowing it to adapt to different settings and cater to diverse user needs. Each component is designed with functionality in mind, incorporating spaces for overnight accommodations, sanitary facilities, and communal areas where travelers can relax and regroup.

The architectural approach taken in "Trace" emphasizes the importance of material selection and local character. The project employs a steel frame that provides structural integrity and allows for easy assembly. This decision aligns with a growing trend in sustainable architecture that values adaptability and efficiency. Moreover, the use of locally sourced materials for the outer walls connects the design to its environment, echoing the natural surroundings and preserving cultural significance. It reflects a commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint while enhancing the architectural aesthetics.

One of the prominent features of the design is the roof, which offers customization options, including glass elements that enhance natural light and ventilation. This thoughtful inclusion not only promotes energy efficiency but also enhances the user's sensory experience. The distinctive facade, shaped like a house, serves as a visual identity for the project, making it instantly recognizable to tourists and cyclists alike. It is a design element that communicates the function of the structure and enhances visibility within diverse settings.

"Trace" also innovates by integrating the elements of time and environment into its design. By showcasing different visualizations that represent the building’s response to varying times of day, the architecture demonstrates its fluid relationship with light and atmosphere. This dynamic aspect not only enriches the user experience but also encourages exploration and engagement with the surrounding natural landscape, providing a unique way to experience the architecture as it transforms throughout the day.

The project promotes user interaction on multiple levels, inviting communities to gather in these communal spaces and engage in activities that foster local culture and tourism. Whether situated in rural landscapes or urban centers, the design of "Trace" adapts to its surroundings, efficiently blending into public parks and central plazas while providing a refuge for cyclists and travelers. This encourages a greater appreciation for the local environment and serves as a conversation starter among visitors and locals.

By fostering an understanding of environmental stewardship and community engagement, "Trace" positions itself as a model for contemporary architectural practices. Its emphasis on modularity, sustainable material use, and adaptable design makes it a relevant project that addresses pressing issues in architecture today, especially concerning the relationships between humans and their environments.

For those interested in exploring the intricate details of this project, it is encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented. This deeper exploration will provide insight into the thoughtful considerations that shape "Trace," further illuminating the significance of this architectural endeavor in enhancing both function and experience along the EuroVelo route.
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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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