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Charred Wooden Shingles Intertwined with Concrete Forms in a Nature-Inspired Retreat

Author:
Octavo Hernandez
Charred Wooden Shingles Intertwined with Concrete Forms in a Nature-Inspired Retreat

Project in-detail

Inspired by the landscape, the design integrates charred wooden shingles and concrete forms to create a harmonious retreat that offers a blend of private solace and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance durability while offering a visually appealing texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength and contribute to sustainable building practices.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light while minimizing material waste during construction.
04
Natural ventilation strategies are employed to enhance indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption.
05
Strategic landscaping integrates the structures with the surrounding environment, promoting a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The architectural project stands as a thoughtful interpretation of its natural environment, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between built forms and landscape. It represents a new approach to architecture, where individuals can retreat from the busyness of modern life, reconnect with nature, and find solace in thoughtfully designed spaces. The project’s primary function is to create a multi-faceted retreat for travelers, offering private, semi-public, and public areas that cater to a varied range of user needs, encouraging both solitude and community interaction.

The architectural design incorporates three distinct typologies that include private spaces allowing for personal retreat, semi-public zones designed for shared experiences, and public areas that foster social engagement. This layered organization of space directs visitors through a seamless narrative, encouraging exploration while maintaining a balance between individual privacy and communal experience. By carefully considering the needs of visitors, the project reflects a profound understanding of modern retreat requirements, blended with the aesthetics of nature.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s identity. The use of concrete provides the durability and structural integrity necessary for the site, while glass is strategically incorporated to enhance the connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. This inclusion of natural light not only enriches the spatial experience but also reinforces the relationship with the outdoors, letting inhabitants feel part of their environment rather than apart from it. Wooden elements add warmth and contrast, softening the overall look of the structures. The thoughtful arrangement of these materials results in a cohesive design where aesthetics and functionality coexist.

The forms of the buildings demonstrate an organic quality, reflecting the rugged characteristics of the local terrain. The fluidity of the architecture breaks away from traditional geometric shapes, embodying an approach that integrates the built environment with the natural one. Pathways and layouts are deliberately designed to encourage movement and interaction, guiding visitors through a series of experiences. Each zone is allocated specific functions, ensuring easy access to sleeping areas, communal dining spaces, and necessary facilities while maintaining a clear flow of movement throughout the site.

Natural light plays an integral role in the overall design, achieved through the implementation of strategic openings and skylights. This design choice not only illuminates interior spaces but also contributes to the project's sustainable goals by minimizing reliance on artificial light. The varying light conditions that shift throughout the day enhance the spatial experience, reminding inhabitants of the changing environment around them.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project as well. The architectural response to the terrain, through a carefully curated arrangement of masses, presents a masterful way of situating structures within the landscape. This not only respects the geographical context but also allows for an immersive experience in nature. The choice to incorporate both private and communal elements within the retreat reveals a keen understanding of contemporary social interactions, paving the way for an enriching experience for all users.

As the architectural project unfolds, it invites viewers to consider the nuances of space, material, and interaction. The careful curation of the environment showcases how architecture can respond to the human desire for connection, both with oneself and with others in a shared locale. For those interested in exploring the full scope of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, a closer look at the presentation will offer additional insights into the thoughtful ideas that shape this retreat.
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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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