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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping A Multifunctional Retreat Blending With The Forest Environment

Authors:
Nur Ayalp, Cihat Caglar
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping A Multifunctional Retreat Blending With The Forest Environment

Project in-detail

A harmonious blend of charred wooden shingles and vertical timber panels creates a serene retreat that seamlessly integrates with its forest setting, offering a space for meditation and social connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a distinct aesthetic.
02
Incorporates vertical timber panels that allow for natural ventilation and light diffusion.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural integrity while blending with the environment.
04
Includes multifunctional spaces designed for both communal gatherings and quiet reflection.
05
Strategically positioned skylights enhance daylight penetration and connection to the sky.
The project "Cocoon" represents a thoughtful integration of architecture with the natural environment, creating a unique space that prioritizes human experience and connection to nature. Set in a serene forested area, the architecture embodies a concept that encourages occupants to immerse themselves in the tranquility and sensory richness provided by the surroundings.

At its core, "Cocoon" serves as a retreat—an architectural haven designed for reflection, interaction, and relaxation. It conveys the idea of enclosure and protection while simultaneously allowing the natural elements to permeate the space. This simultaneous connection with the external environment is a primary goal of the design, ensuring occupants experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest while remaining sheltered.

The architectural design features a robust wooden framework, emphasizing sustainability and a harmonious relationship with the surrounding landscape. Use of timber resonates with the forest and reinforces a narrative of environmental stewardship. The façade comprises vertical wooden panels that not only offer visual transparency but also facilitate airflow and acoustics, allowing the forest's natural ambiance to infiltrate the interior. This thoughtful approach to materiality highlights a key element of the design ethos—creating a dialogue between the built environment and nature.

Inside, the spatial organization of "Cocoon" emphasizes flexibility and multiplicity. Meditation areas are complemented by skylights, enhancing the quality of light within the space while establishing a direct connection to the sky. This design choice encourages occupants to reflect and contemplate, fostering moments of quiet introspection. Multiple functional areas are designed for social interaction and communal activities, offering a range of experiences according to the needs of users. The dynamic nature of these spaces allows for personal engagement and a gathered sense of community.

Significant design details include the integration of gas lamps that contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a campfire within the forest's embrace. The use of pivot wooden panels serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, allowing the adjustment of space configuration while maintaining an organic flow within the environment. Such elements highlight the project’s commitment to creating a versatile and adaptive space that encourages occupants to connect with their surroundings and with each other.

The unique design approaches utilized in "Cocoon" reflect a deep understanding of how architecture can enhance human experience. With a deliberate focus on sensory engagement, the project challenges traditional boundaries between inside and outside, making nature an integral part of the architectural experience. By prioritizing materials that reflect ecological sensibilities and promoting flexibility in spatial design, "Cocoon" offers an innovative perspective on how structures can foster a deeper relationship with the environment.

This project invites the viewer to explore its architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, encouraging a closer examination of how these elements contribute to the overall vision. The thoughtful interplay of form and nature within "Cocoon" illustrates the potential of architecture not only to provide shelter but also to enrich the human experience by harnessing the essence of the natural world. For those interested in understanding the intricacies of this project further, it is worth delving into the detailed presentation to uncover the architectural merits and the ideas that define "Cocoon."
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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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