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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Slats Create Seamless Integration With Nature in Sustainable Retreat

Author:
David Mayer
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Slats Create Seamless Integration With Nature in Sustainable Retreat

Project in-detail

With a façade of charred wooden shingles and vertical timber slats that beautifully blend into the forest backdrop, the retreat embraces sustainable living by providing an intimate connection to nature while serving as a nurturing family home.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance durability while blending seamlessly with the forest environment.
02
Vertical timber slats create a visually striking camouflage effect, reinforcing the connection to the surrounding trees.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while contributing to energy efficiency and natural light penetration.
04
The retreat features a roof terrace designed for meditation, offering elevated views of the forest canopy.
05
Expandable storage solutions within the sleeping areas promote a minimalist lifestyle, prioritizing simplicity and functionality.
The project "Blending with Nature" is a thoughtful architectural endeavor that seeks to harmonize living spaces with the surrounding forest environment. This design showcases a deep respect for nature, intending to create a sustainable habitat that enhances the user experience while minimizing ecological impact. Its overarching theme of integration with the natural world informs every aspect of the project, from its structural form to the choice of materials and functional layout.

At its core, this architecture represents a contemporary approach to sustainable living. The design functions not only as a residence but also as a lifestyle choice that emphasizes simplicity and mindfulness. It encourages occupants to engage with their surroundings, promoting a deeper connection between individuals and the environment. This goal is achieved through a carefully considered spatial arrangement that prioritizes natural light, open vistas, and direct access to nature.

The structure is composed of three levels, each designed with specific functions that cater to the needs of its inhabitants. The ground level operates as a service area, housing essential amenities such as the kitchen and bathroom. This level supports the overall residential function without overwhelming the occupants above. Moving to the first floor, the sleeping areas are intentionally crafted to maximize comfort and efficiency, featuring expandable storage solutions that encourage a minimalist lifestyle. The second floor culminates in a rooftop terrace that serves as an outdoor sanctuary. This terrace is designed for activities such as meditation or yoga, allowing for a peaceful retreat above the forest canopy and reaffirming the project’s commitment to wellness and tranquility.

One of the standout features of the design is its innovative use of materiality. The predominant use of timber not only provides structural integrity but also aligns with sustainability principles by utilizing local, renewable resources. Timber slats cover the building’s exterior, offering a distinctive aesthetic while enhancing the project’s camouflage within the forest. This design approach diminishes visual intrusion, allowing the architecture to become part of the landscape rather than disrupt it. The incorporation of double-glazed glass windows serves a dual purpose of energy efficiency and breathtaking views, creating a seamless connection between the interior and the outdoors.

The project employs various sustainable systems to minimize its ecological footprint. Photovoltaic panels harness solar energy to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources. Rainwater collection systems are integrated into the design, supplying water for household needs while promoting conservation. Additionally, waste management strategies, such as a composting toilet, underscore a commitment to ecological responsibility.

What sets "Blending with Nature" apart is its unique blend of functionality and awareness of environmental context. The architecture promotes a lifestyle that embraces ecological harmony while ensuring that occupants still enjoy the comforts of modernity. This design represents not just a dwelling but a movement towards sustainable architecture that prioritizes the collective well-being of both inhabitants and the surrounding ecosystem.

For those looking to delve deeper into the architectural strategies employed in this project, the exploration of architectural plans, sections, and various design ideas will enhance understanding. Observing these details will provide valuable insights into how this innovative project redefines the relationship between architecture and nature. Engaging with the complete project presentation will illuminate the careful considerations that have gone into making "Blending with Nature" a noteworthy example of responsible architectural design.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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