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Circular Skylight Loop and Aluminum Cladding Enhance Tranquil Retreat Experience

Authors:
Shida Wang, Xinwei Guo, Ellina Poltavtseva
Circular Skylight Loop and Aluminum Cladding Enhance Tranquil Retreat Experience

Project in-detail

The integration of a circular skylight loop with aluminum cladding creates an immersive natural light experience, enhancing the tranquility of a retreat designed for leisure and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular skylight loop enhances natural light distribution throughout the interior.
02
Aluminum cladding ensures durability and a modern aesthetic integration.
03
Multi-functional spaces allow for both social interaction and private relaxation.
04
Charred wooden shingles contribute to sustainability and visual texture.
05
Strategic site placement maximizes scenic views while preserving privacy.

# Architectural Design Analysis: Scenic Serenity Retreat

## Overview

Scenic Serenity Retreat is situated in a tranquil landscape designed to provide a restorative experience away from urban distractions. The intent of the project is to effectively combine traditional architectural elements with contemporary amenities, accommodating leisure, dining, and relaxation within a cohesive spatial framework. Key features include a brewery and spa that enhance the overall experience for visitors while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

## Site Integration and Spatial Strategy

The site planning emphasizes privacy and picturesque views, facilitating a harmonious relationship between the built and natural environments. The spatial arrangement is meticulously designed for functionality and user experience. Notable features include a **Skywalk and Skylight Loop**, which serves as a circular social space, offering panoramic views from the second floor while enhancing the building's architectural presence. The **Hot Tub Area** is strategically located to maximize sunlight and scenic vistas, creating a luxurious relaxation environment. At the heart of the retreat, the **Brewery Core** functions as a communal hub where guests can gather and enjoy local brews.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The architectural integrity of the retreat is reinforced through a careful selection of materials that balance aesthetics and functionality. Key materials include **aluminum sheets** for cladding and roofing, providing durability alongside a modern appearance. **Painted wood boards** are utilized for their warmth and natural appeal, while **glass panels** enhance natural light input and offer unobtrusive views of the landscape. **Steel reinforcement** is critical for ensuring structural stability, particularly comprising multi-story elements and the skylight loop. The **timber wood frames** help create a rustic charm, maintaining the connection to traditional architecture.

Unique features of the design include a **hybrid structure** that incorporates elements of the existing building, promoting sustainable practices in renovation. The **double-layer sealed vacuum skylight** enhances energy efficiency and contributes to the quality of natural light within the interior spaces. The multi-purpose spatial configuration facilitates easy access between active areas such as the brewery and tranquil zones like the spa, allowing guests to choose their level of engagement.

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

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Competition organisers

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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