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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Sustainable Retreats in Natural Landscapes

Authors:
Paul Briner, Chris Wiltshire, Sarah Mizran
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Sustainable Retreats in Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and sustainably sourced timber, these cabins create a balanced retreat that seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, providing a tranquil escape for those seeking solace in nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The cabins utilize charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Sustainably sourced timber construction minimizes environmental impact and promotes local resources.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated for practical water management within the cabins.
04
The layout incorporates biophilic design principles, encouraging interaction with native flora and fauna.
05
Sloped roofs mimic the natural topography, ensuring visual harmony with the surrounding landscape.
The project at hand focuses on a series of biomimetic cabins thoughtfully integrated into a natural landscape, emphasizing sustainability and the importance of fostering a connection between built environments and nature. These cabins serve not merely as shelters, but as a manifestation of architectural principles that draw inspiration from biological forms and ecosystems. The concept represents an architectural response to the challenge of creating living spaces that align harmoniously with their surroundings, while also promoting ecological mindfulness among occupants.

Functionally, the cabins accommodate individuals seeking respite in nature, offering an immersive experience that encourages relaxation and reflection. Each cabin is designed as a retreat that allows occupants to disconnect from urban life and engage with the tranquil landscapes around them. The architecture promotes a fluid interaction between indoor and outdoor environments, facilitating a sense of peace and solitude while remaining anchored in a communal context.

Key elements of the design include the use of sloped roofs that mimic the natural terrain. This not only provides aesthetic continuity but also allows the structures to blend seamlessly into the hillside, reducing visual impact and maintaining the integrity of the landscape. The thoughtful orientation of each cabin maximizes views of the surrounding valley while ensuring privacy and a sense of seclusion.

The choice of materials plays a significant role in the overall design narrative. Sustainably sourced timber serves as the primary building material, reinforcing the connection to the natural environment and providing warmth to the interior spaces. The use of native stone for the foundations contributes thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency. Additionally, oriented strand board (OSB) is employed in strategic locations for interior sheathing, while large glass windows invite an abundance of natural light, connecting the occupants to the outdoor scenery.

A standout feature of the design is the incorporation of natural water systems. By integrating rainwater harvesting units into the architecture, the project embodies water conservation principles, enabling occupants to utilize collected rainwater for daily needs. This feature reflects a growing awareness of sustainable practices in architectural design, making the cabins not just passive structures, but active participants in environmental stewardship.

Beyond individual cabins, the project also emphasizes community through shared spaces. Common areas such as meditation zones and hot tubs foster interaction and social engagement among visitors, creating an inclusive atmosphere. The design encourages occupants to enjoy communal facilities while still allowing for private moments amidst nature, exemplifying versatility in architectural function.

The integration of biophilic design elements within the project provides psychological benefits as well. Sensory-rich pathways and landscaped gardens filled with native plants promote engagement with the environment and encourage exploration. The arrangement of the site encourages movement and discovery, inviting occupants to walk through the natural surroundings and appreciate the flora and fauna.

In summary, this architectural project represents a holistic approach to design that embraces the principles of biomimicry and sustainability. By carefully considering the interplay between structure and nature, the cabins offer themselves as tranquil retreats that cater to individual needs while promoting communal experiences. This project thoughtfully articulates how architecture can contribute to a deeper understanding of and connection to the natural world. For more details on the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that shaped this project, we invite readers to explore the full presentation.
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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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