Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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

Project in-detail

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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy