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Cork Cladding and Gabled Forms in a Dual-Level Retreat Space

Author:
Péquin Romain
Cork Cladding and Gabled Forms in a Dual-Level Retreat Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with cork cladding and a gabled roof, the retreat integrates communal spaces and dual-level accommodations to facilitate meditation and connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Gabled roof design reflects traditional Lithuanian architecture.
02
Cork cladding enhances insulation and blends with natural surroundings.
03
Dual-level accommodation promotes privacy and quiet reflection.
04
Central multipurpose space fosters community interactions.
05
Rainwater collection system supports sustainable water usage.

Retreat Island serves as a thoughtful design in a serene natural environment, aimed at promoting both individual reflection and community connection. The project brings together aspects of traditional Lithuanian architecture with modern sustainable practices. Its design features a distinct gabled roof, providing a recognizable silhouette that houses various public and private spaces within a unified structure.

Layout and Spatial Organization

The interior layout centers around a communal core, which includes shared facilities such as a kitchen and multipurpose space. This area serves as a gathering spot for visitors, encouraging social interaction. Surrounding this hub, the design incorporates various accommodation units that cater to different needs, ranging from singles to larger groups. These units are thoughtfully arranged over two levels: the ground floor includes living areas, while the upper floor contains retreat rooms that facilitate quiet time and self-reflection.

Natural Light and Environmental Connection

The design maximizes natural light through well-placed openings that create views of the surrounding landscape. This connection with nature enhances the atmosphere, promoting a sense of calm and encouraging meditation. The layout supports an engagement with the outdoors, allowing visitors to feel both in touch with their environment and at peace within the retreat.

Materials and Sustainability Initiatives

The retreat utilizes lightweight prefabricated wooden elements, which allows for flexibility in construction and reduces the environmental footprint. The choice of materials respects local craftsmanship and adheres to traditional building techniques. Cork is used for the exterior cladding, enhancing insulation while blending with the natural surroundings. The building incorporates renewable energy systems such as solar panels and rainwater collection to achieve self-sufficiency in water and energy.

Incorporating regional aesthetics, the design creates a peaceful setting where each detail reinforces the connection to the landscape. Eaves extend slightly beyond the walls to provide shaded outdoor areas, inviting visitors to engage with the environment while enjoying protection from the elements. This thoughtful integration of space and function underscores the project’s commitment to harmony with nature.

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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

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