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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Intersecting in a Tranquil Pathway Environment

Authors:
Zuzanna Skolimowska, Justyna Porowska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Intersecting in a Tranquil Pathway Environment

Project in-detail

Integrating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, the design creates a serene pathway that enhances community interaction while fostering a deep connection with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce environmental impact and improve structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Pathways are designed to evoke a sense of journey through carefully curated landscapes.
05
Integrates local cultural motifs into the stone paver patterns for contextual relevance.

## Project Overview

Located in the Baltic region, the design integrates with a landscape rich in historical and cultural significance. The intent is to enhance community engagement while establishing a strong connection between the natural and built environments. This architectural concept is characterized by its nuanced exploration of spatial relationships and material interactions, encouraging thoughtful user experiences.

### Spatial Strategy and Organization

The spatial organization of the project features a longitudinal layout that mimics natural forms, such as waves or boats, promoting both accessibility and movement. This configuration facilitates dynamic interactions between users and their environment, minimizing disruption while maximizing sensory engagement throughout the site. The pathways are intentionally designed to evoke a sense of reflection and exploration, drawing visitors through contemplative spaces enriched with natural elements and artistic expressions.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The project incorporates a carefully selected palette of materials that resonate with the local landscape. Concrete provides structural integrity and a textural connection to the urban context, while wood introduces warmth, particularly in walkways and seating areas. Glass is utilized to enhance transparency, allowing abundant natural light within the interiors and maintaining visual links to the outside environment. Stone pavers are strategically placed along pathways, reflecting local cultural motifs and grounding the design in its heritage.

Green spaces are integrated throughout the project, promoting biodiversity and establishing shaded areas for relaxation. This commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by the selection of materials aimed at reducing environmental impact and ensuring long-term durability. The landscape design fosters an immersive interaction with nature, enriching user experiences and promoting introspection.

### Light and Shadow Dynamics

The manipulation of light plays a crucial role in enhancing the architectural narrative. Strategic openings throughout the design allow sunlight to filter into different areas, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that adds depth to the spatial experience. This thoughtful approach not only enriches the aesthetics but also guides user movement, contributing to a coherent flow throughout the site.

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

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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

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