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Community Retreat Featuring Natural Finishes and Engineered Wood Elements in a Serene Lakeside Setting

Authors:
Raihan Ramadhan, Valencia Angelita, Clemens samuel Utomo
Community Retreat Featuring Natural Finishes and Engineered Wood Elements in a Serene Lakeside Setting

Project in-detail

Nestled by a tranquil lake, this community retreat artfully combines natural wood finishes and engineered materials to create fluid spaces that invite reflection and foster a deep connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The retreat incorporates a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability while maximizing interior volume and natural light.
02
Crafted with cross-laminated timber panels, the architecture ensures superior thermal insulation and reduced environmental impact.
03
Charred wooden shingles are employed not only for aesthetics but also to enhance durability and fire resistance against the surrounding landscape.
04
A series of strategically placed openings allows for dynamic light play throughout the day, creating an evolving atmosphere within the space.
05
The layout emphasizes a flow between indoor and outdoor areas, promoting seamless interaction with the serene lakeside environment.
The project features a thoughtfully designed architectural space that aims to foster community engagement and promote individual reflection. Located near a picturesque lake, this architecture serves as a serene retreat, merging seamlessly with its surroundings while offering various functional spaces for its users. The design concept is centered around the thoughtful interplay of light and space, emphasizing a connection to nature and the surrounding environment.

Functionally, the project consists of multiple areas designated for meditation, gathering, and relaxation. These spaces are carefully arranged to encourage both communal activities and solitary moments of introspection. The architecture is not merely a physical structure but represents a lifestyle that values mindfulness, well-being, and ecological consciousness. Through its design, the project embodies a vision of modern living that respects and enhances the natural landscape.

Critical details of the project include a harmonious layout that effectively separates public and private zones while ensuring a smooth flow between spaces. The fluid architectural forms are intentionally designed to evoke natural elements, mimicking organic shapes found in the environment. Such design approaches help integrate the structure with its context, creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to both social interaction and personal reflection.

The materiality of the architecture plays a vital role in its overall ethos. Utilizing oriented strand board (OSB), insulated windows, cellulose insulation, and natural finishes, the project emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency. The choice of materials showcases a commitment to ecological responsibility, aligning with contemporary architectural standards. By prioritizing renewable resources and energy-efficient solutions, the design promotes a minimal ecological footprint while enhancing user comfort.

One of the unique features of this architectural project is its emphasis on light. By incorporating strategically placed openings and transparent surfaces, the design facilitates natural light to penetrate deep into the building, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. This consideration of light not only contributes to energy savings but also enhances the overall user experience, as the shifting sunlight throughout the day creates a dynamic environment.

Circulation within the project is intuitively organized, allowing users to navigate effortlessly between various zones. The pathway designs take into account the natural flow of people, promoting accessibility and encouraging exploration throughout the space. Each area is purposefully designed, catering to different activities, from communal gatherings to quiet contemplation, further emphasizing the duality of togetherness and solitude.

The architectural presentation of this project serves as an essential tool for understanding its full scope. Reviewers should explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain deeper insights into the structure’s functionality and design philosophy. Through the examination of these elements, one can appreciate how the project fulfills its intended purposes while remaining sensitive to the environment.

This carefully crafted architectural endeavor serves as a physical representation of harmony, mindfulness, and community connection. The design approaches employed reflect an understanding of human needs and environmental stewardship, making it a notable example in contemporary architecture. To gain further insights into this intriguing project, consider delving into the details presented in the architectural designs and sections to fully appreciate the thought and intention behind each element.
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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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