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Circular Window Design and Local Timber Construction for Creative Retreat Cabins

Author:
Peter Byrne
Circular Window Design and Local Timber Construction for Creative Retreat Cabins

Project in-detail

Incorporating circular window designs and local timber construction, the retreat cabins provide a seamless connection to nature while offering dedicated spaces for artistic creation and family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cabins are designed with circular windows that enhance natural light and views.
02
Local sourced timber reduces environmental impact and enhances regional character.
03
A multi-purpose workshop connects directly to outdoor spaces, encouraging creativity.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide durability and weather resistance while integrating aesthetics.
05
The layout optimizes solar orientation for energy efficiency and passive heating.
The project "Sojourn to the Shore" is an architectural design that focuses on creating a series of lakeside cabins intended for use by painters and their families. Positioned strategically along a scenic shoreline, this project seeks to harmonize the built environment with its natural surroundings. The primary goal is to provide a functional living space that includes dedicated areas for artistic creation and family interaction, fostering both personal and communal experiences.

Sustainability is a core element of this architectural endeavor. The project emphasizes the use of local materials and integrates passive design strategies, allowing for an efficient response to the climate and landscape. The cabins are arranged to optimize views of the lake while ensuring privacy for occupants, thus enhancing their connection to the natural environment.

Unique Design Features

The architectural design diverges from typical lakefront developments through its thoughtful organization and community-oriented approach. Each cabin is modular, promoting a sense of community while allowing for individual privacy. The layout is informed by solar orientation principles, maximizing daylight intake while providing natural ventilation.

The incorporation of a central multi-purpose workshop space represents a significant aspect of the design. This area is designed to facilitate creative work and communal gatherings, directly linking the indoor environment with the surrounding gardens and lakefront. Innovative use of circular and angular window designs serves not only functional purposes, such as maximizing light and views, but also enhances the aesthetic quality of the interiors.

Sustainable Material Choices

The material palette selected for this project plays a vital role in its overall impact. Key materials include timber, sourced locally to reduce transportation emissions and provide a warm aesthetic. Stone is utilized for foundational structures, offering stability and a connection to the landscape. Large areas of glass create transparency, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor experience while facilitating natural light.

Interior elements incorporate sustainable materials like cork and natural fibers, focusing on acoustic insulation and thermal performance. Terrazzo flooring in communal areas combines durability with visual appeal, reflecting the project's commitment to both function and aesthetic harmony.

For a comprehensive understanding of the project's architectural plans and innovative design details, the reader is encouraged to explore the presented elements further. Insights into architectural sections, designs, and ideas will provide a deeper appreciation of how "Sojourn to the Shore" successfully integrates architecture with nature, emphasizing functionality and sustainability.
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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