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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Glazing in a Mountainous Communal Retreat

Author:
Caroline Vanier
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Glazing in a Mountainous Communal Retreat
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With a façade of charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing that maximizes natural light, the design creates a sustainable communal retreat harmonizing with its mountainous surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
03
Expansive glazing maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes space while complementing the mountainous terrain.
05
Modular elements allow for adaptability to future community needs.

### Overview

Located in a mountainous region, this project employs a multifaceted approach to harmonize architecture with its natural environment, focusing on sustainability and community engagement. The design integrates modern sustainable technologies while respecting traditional craftsmanship, creating a balance between contemporary living and historical context.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial organization consists of three distinct levels, each serving a specific function in promoting communal living while ensuring privacy.

- **Ground Floor**: This level features shared areas such as the common room and kitchen, designed with open layouts that encourage interaction. Extensive use of glass and terraces provides direct access to outdoor spaces, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments.

- **First Floor**: Designed as a retreat, the first floor contains areas for reading and personal reflection. Bedrooms are strategically arranged to optimize natural light and views, each with access to private or semi-private balconies. This level balances social engagement with individual privacy.

- **Upper Floors**: Dedicated to private sleeping quarters, these levels maintain a clear division between communal and personal spaces while including rooftop terraces that promote outdoor activities and foster a connection with nature.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability while incorporating local traditions.

- **Wood**: Used extensively for the internal structure, sustainably sourced timber provides aesthetic warmth and thermal efficiency.

- **Stone**: Sourced locally, it forms the external façade, contributing to insulation and integrating the structure into its geographical context with minimal transportation emissions.

- **Glazing**: Large windows are crafted with high-efficiency glass to maximize daylight and scenic views while minimizing heat loss.

- **Solar Panels**: Installed on the rooftop, these panels support the building's energy needs, enabling self-sufficiency.

- **Rainwater Harvesting System**: This sustainable practice facilitates water management, underscoring the project's dedication to environmental responsibility.

### Key Features

The design promotes interaction and adaptability through strategic openings and modular elements. The architecture not only encourages engagement with the surrounding landscape but is also designed to accommodate future modifications with minimal disruption. This emphasis on eco-friendly systems, including solar energy and water conservation, positions the project as an exemplar of environmentally responsible architecture, while honoring local building traditions through the use of indigenous materials and techniques.

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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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