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Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Spaces in a Community Retreat Fostering Emotional Well-Being

Author:
Sarah Watts
Charred Wooden Shingles and Translucent Spaces in a Community Retreat Fostering Emotional Well-Being

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and translucent elements, the design creates an inviting retreat that nurtures emotional well-being and fosters community connections through its thoughtfully crafted spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that promotes natural ventilation and light diffusion.
04
Includes flexible communal spaces adaptable for various group activities and workshops.
05
Emphasizes biophilic design principles, fostering a strong connection between occupants and nature.
The architectural design project, "A Safe Space: The Healing Power of Love," embodies a deep commitment to fostering emotional and psychological well-being through thoughtful architectural decisions. Designed as a sanctuary for healing, the project creatively integrates the metaphor of a clam revealing its pearl, serving as a powerful representation of vulnerability and transformation. This conceptual framework positions the structure as a protective shell that houses spaces intended for personal and communal healing experiences.

The primary function of this architectural work revolves around providing a safe environment for individuals to confront their emotional challenges and cultivate their healing processes. The architecture serves not only as a physical shelter but also as a space that promotes connection, dialogue, and support among its users. By prioritizing communal spaces alongside private retreats, the design thoughtfully balances individual needs with the necessity for community interaction.

Critical components of the project include guest rooms designed for comfort and intimacy, community areas that facilitate gatherings and group activities, and flexible spaces that adapt to various functions, all reflecting the overarching theme of emotional safety. These design elements emphasize the importance of fostering relationships, creating opportunities for shared experiences, and enabling personal reflection. The balance of public and private areas encourages transitions from solitary introspection to collective healing, echoing the interconnected journey of each individual.

Natural materials play a significant role in this architectural design, contributing to a sense of warmth and tranquility. The use of stone provides stability and permanence, while wood establishes a welcoming atmosphere. Glass elements invite ambient light into the structure, reinforcing an openness that symbolizes the letdown of barriers and the importance of transparency in healing. Additionally, natural textiles are employed within the interiors to enhance comfort, creating a tactile experience that supports the emotional objectives of the project.

The project integrates various unique design approaches that set it apart from conventional architectural structures. The dismantling of physical barriers is expressed through open layouts and fluid spatial configurations that encourage movement and connection between different areas. This design philosophy reinforces the goal of dismantling emotional walls, allowing individuals to engage freely with the spaces and, by extension, with one another. The overall design promotes a seamless flow, inviting individuals to explore both themselves and their surroundings in a nurturing environment.

Light constitutes an integral aspect of the architectural design, affecting the atmosphere and the users' experiences within the space. Strategic placement of windows and openings allows for natural light to penetrate deep into the interiors, creating varying moods throughout the day. The use of translucent materials further enhances the interplay of light and shadow, enriching the sensory experience and establishing a serene ambiance conducive to healing.

In essence, "A Safe Space: The Healing Power of Love" represents a nuanced understanding of architecture's potential to impact emotional well-being. Its emphasis on natural materials, community integration, and a thoughtful approach to space encapsulates the essence of what it means to create a healing environment. For those interested in exploring the full depth of the project, including the architectural plans, sections, and intricate design ideas that shaped this thoughtful endeavor, further details are available in the project presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of how architecture can serve as a conduit for personal and communal healing.
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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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