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Charred Wooden Shingles Elevate a Tranquil Retreat for Reflection

Authors:
Matthew Hart, Barry Ludlow, Steven Segure, Lea Berta
Charred Wooden Shingles Elevate a Tranquil Retreat for Reflection

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a modular design, this tranquil retreat offers secluded spaces specifically crafted for meditation and personal reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a flexible, modular layout allowing customization for individual user needs.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and promotes energy efficiency.
05
Designed specifically for meditative spaces, fostering tranquility and solitude.
The Metamorphosis Silent Cabins project is an architectural endeavor designed to create serene spaces for meditation and reflection. The cabins serve as quiet retreats, promoting solitude and introspection amidst nature. The design emphasizes a strong connection with the surrounding environment, enabling users to experience calm and tranquility away from the distractions of everyday life.

The cabins are modular in nature, allowing for flexibility and customization based on user needs and site conditions. Constructed primarily from locally sourced timber treated with the Shou Sugi Ban technique, the project highlights sustainability and durability. This method not only enhances the aesthetic appeal through a textured finish but also protects the wood from decay and pests.

The overall design features operable components, permitting users to engage and interact with the natural surroundings. Large glass panels blur interior and exterior boundaries, facilitating light penetration and a sense of openness. The varying heights of the cabins allow for diverse experiences, connecting users more intimately with their natural context while offering shelter.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets the Metamorphosis Silent Cabins apart from typical architectural projects is its focus on individual transformation through design. The concept of the seed as a metaphor for personal growth underlies the entire project. The space is intended not only for physical shelter but also to support emotional and mental well-being.

The arrangement of the interiors follows a minimalist approach, promoting a sense of calm and clarity. Attention to material selection further emphasizes this dedication to tranquility, with warm wood tones creating a comforting environment. The cabins are designed to adapt to various configurations, which allows users to personalize their experience in a way that standard architectural designs do not typically accommodate.

Environmental Integration

A notable aspect of the Metamorphosis Silent Cabins is its seamless integration with the environment. The chosen materials complement the natural landscape, ensuring that the cabins do not impose upon their surroundings. Instead, they enhance the beauty of the site through thoughtful placement and design.

The project demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability not only in material choice but also in operational efficiency. By prioritizing local resources and employing environmentally friendly construction techniques, the cabins embody a responsible architectural practice.

For further insights into the Metamorphosis Silent Cabins, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation. Understanding the architectural ideas and intentional elements will provide a comprehensive view of this unique architectural project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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