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Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Glass Form a Refuge in Siberian Landscape

Authors:
Wen Jian Woo, Qiao Li Liew, Ker Neng Peh, Pin Qi Chan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Glass Form a Refuge in Siberian Landscape

Project in-detail

With a facade of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels that reflect the surrounding Siberian landscape, the design serves as a harmonious retreat that encourages community interaction and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed to harmonize with the Siberian landscape through a selective use of charred wooden shingles, enhancing thermal performance and durability.
02
Features a distinctive bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and creates a sculptural silhouette against its backdrop.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for construction, promoting sustainable practices and reducing the carbon footprint.
04
Strategically positioned glass panels facilitate unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness while reinforcing the connection between interior spaces and the exterior environment.
05
Configured to foster community engagement with open waiting areas and information counters, encouraging social interaction among visitors.
The architectural project, "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," exemplifies a balanced approach to integrating environment with human experience. Focused on the remote yet captivating terrain of Siberia, the design embodies themes of transience and connectivity. It serves as a refuge that fosters interaction not only within its walls but also with the expansive natural surroundings. The project is a thoughtful meditation on the fleeting nature of time and our relation to the spaces we inhabit.

Functionally, the structure provides essential services for visitors traversing this picturesque, yet isolated, landscape. Key areas within the design include waiting spaces that facilitate gatherings and a sense of community, information centers that guide occupants in comprehending their surroundings, and efficiently designed restrooms that ensure comfort. The architectural layout encourages movement and flow, allowing visitors to transition seamlessly from enclosed spaces to expansive views of the Siberian wilderness.

A notable aspect of this project is its materiality. The combination of durable concrete, warm wood, and transparent glass reflects a commitment to both resilience and comfort. Concrete serves as a foundation for the design, offering stability and permanence in a challenging climate. The use of wood introduces an inviting element that connects the structure to the natural environment, while glass strategically breaks barriers, creating visual linkages between interior spaces and the outside world. As sunlight filters through the glass panels, it creates an interplay of light and shadow that invigorates the architecture. This dynamic interaction not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also emphasizes the importance of natural light in shaping user experience.

The design approach is unique in that it engages with the site through an artistic response to the landscape. The pyramid-like structure rises toward the sky, embodying both a sense of hope and aspiration. This imaginative form not only stands as a physical landmark but also symbolizes the concept of exploration, beckoning visitors to delve into the unknown—both in their environment and within themselves. The open layout of the ground floor is designed to foster social interaction, inviting occupants to pause, reflect, and engage with one another while contemplating the surrounding natural beauty.

What sets this architectural project apart is its ability to evoke a profound emotional response. The architect has thoughtfully crafted a dialogue between the built environment and nature, where the building does not impose but rather harmonizes with the landscape. This dialogue invites visitors to reflect upon their relationship with the natural world, reinforcing the notion that architecture can serve as a vehicle for personal and communal introspection.

For those interested in understanding the full breadth of this project, exploring architectural plans and sections, alongside refined architectural designs, will provide a deeper appreciation of the thoughtful ideas that informed its creation. The intricate details and design outcomes contribute to a cohesive vision that captures the essence of the experience the architecture aims to evoke. This project represents a synthesis of practical function and aesthetic sensitivity, making it a noteworthy example of contemporary architectural thought and design. We encourage you to delve into the project presentation for a more comprehensive look at its elements and conceptual underpinnings.
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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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