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Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Façade Enhance Sustainable Living in Rural Portugal

Authors:
Dillon Gorton, Rory Lowe
Charred Wooden Shingles and Stone Façade Enhance Sustainable Living in Rural Portugal

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the design creates a sustainable living environment that harmonizes with the natural landscape while promoting a sense of community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone to enhance structural integrity and environmental connection.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and thermal performance.
04
Includes a rooftop garden that contributes to insulation and local biodiversity.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to maximize natural light and views while blending with the landscape.
The architectural design project embodies a holistic approach to creating a sustainable living environment in Mid-East Portugal. This design prioritizes a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape while addressing the needs of its occupants. It emphasizes ecological considerations through the use of local materials and innovative building practices, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

Materiality is a crucial aspect of the project. The design employs locally sourced stone, timber, and glass, each chosen for its durability, aesthetic qualities, and ecological footprint. Stone serves as a robust structural element, anchoring the design to the land. Timber is used for flooring and elements that enhance both warmth and comfort. Extensive glasswork incorporates natural light, leading to better energy efficiency and an improved indoor climate. This combination not only fulfills structural needs but also fosters a deep connection to nature.

Sustainable Practices and Biophilic Design
What differentiates this project from conventional architectural designs is its commitment to sustainable practices and biophilic principles. The comprehensive integration of these ideas ensures that the built form complements its natural setting. Features such as a rooftop garden not only serve as green space but also provide insulation and support local biodiversity. Additionally, the careful orientation of spaces maximizes light entry while considering occupant privacy and ecological impacts.

An innovative concept is the flexible layout of the interior spaces, allowing for various functions—from personal reflection in quiet zones to social interaction in communal areas. This adaptability caters to different lifestyles and encourages interaction between residents and their environment. Large openings and features such as glass floors facilitate an unobstructed visual connection to the landscape, enhancing the overall living experience.

Architectural Flow and Interaction with Nature
The architectural flow of the project is another vital element. A deliberate arrangement of spaces promotes a sense of movement and continuity. Transitions between indoor and outdoor areas are less pronounced, creating an immersive experience that encourages occupants to engage with their surroundings. Architectural sections and plans illustrate how the design leverages topography and sunlight, optimizing both views and passive heating.

The project's emphasis on these elements not only demonstrates architectural innovation but also reflects contemporary needs for sustainability and connectivity to nature. For those interested in further details, it is encouraged to explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas implemented in this thoughtful project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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