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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Elevate Vertical Living in Mountainous Community

Authors:
Éléonore Vérant, Laia Tarrés
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Elevate Vertical Living in Mountainous Community

Project in-detail

Elevated living spaces constructed with charred wooden shingles and abundant glass create a seamless integration of community and nature in a mountainous environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance the building's durability and aesthetic integration with the natural landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while reducing environmental impact.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes vertical space and offers panoramic mountain views.
04
Hanging gardens are incorporated throughout, promoting biodiversity and enhancing air quality.
05
Mixed-use facilities create a vibrant community hub that encourages social interaction and cultural engagement.
The architectural project "Vertical Pilgrimage: From City to Mountains" integrates urban living with the natural mountainous landscape, addressing contemporary challenges of land use and community development. The design features a multi-level structure that promotes interaction and exploration, reflecting the journey from urban environments into natural settings. The project seeks to redefine the experience of habitation and community interaction through its layered approach, encouraging both social engagement and personal reflection.

Design Integration of Nature and Community

The project represents a comprehensive response to the increasing need for sustainable urban architecture that is cognizant of its environmental context. Central to the design is the concept of vertical elevation, which mirrors the physical ascent into mountains, continuing a rich tradition of pilgrimage. The multi-functional spaces within the building facilitate various activities such as residential living, commercial operations, and cultural exhibitions. This blend of uses creates a vibrant community hub.

The architectural layout emphasizes open-air communal areas, which are pivotal to fostering social interaction among residents and visitors. Terrestrial elements such as green terraces and hanging gardens serve not only to beautify the structure but also contribute to ecological sustainability by enhancing biodiversity and improving air quality. The project notably incorporates pathways and bridges, which facilitate circulation and connect different sections of the structure, thus enhancing user experience.

Innovative Use of Materiality

Materials selected for this project emphasize sustainability and durability. Structural timber is used extensively throughout the framework, providing both an aesthetic warmth and a reduced carbon footprint. Concrete serves as a robust foundation, ensuring long-term stability, while metal accents, such as steel railings and connections, enhance the structural integrity of the design.

The extensive use of glass allows for transparency and natural light, bridging the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor landscapes. This integration of materials creates a visual and functional dialogue between the architectural elements and the surrounding environment. The project's careful selection of materials supports overall sustainability while addressing the practical needs of modern habitation.

Architectural Functionality and User Experience

The intended functionality of the project is multifaceted, designed to accommodate residential units for individuals and families, commercial space for local businesses, and versatile exhibition areas for cultural displays. This mixed-use approach optimizes space and promotes economic viability in the community.

The vertical design inherently influences user experience, encouraging exploration and engagement with both the building and the landscape. The building's height reinforces the concept of pilgrimage, offering ascending views that facilitate a connection to the mountainous backdrop. As occupants move through the different levels, they are invited to experience a range of environments—from communal gathering spaces to private retreats—underscoring the architectural intention of fostering both community interaction and personal reflection.

For a deeper understanding of the "Vertical Pilgrimage: From City to Mountains" project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and specific design elements that illustrate the innovative approaches employed in this distinctive project. Engaging with these materials will provide valuable insights into the design philosophy and the practical implications of this architectural solution.
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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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