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Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Communal Gardens

Authors:
Gabriel-andrei Alexoiu, Bianca-maria Paun, Cristiana-alexandra Comanici
Cross-Laminated Timber Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Communal Gardens

Project in-detail

With cross-laminated timber panels forming its structural backbone and charred wooden shingles enhancing its exterior, this architectural design creates an engaging communal environment centered around creativity and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Roof features charred wooden shingles, providing natural insulation and fire resistance.
03
Design incorporates communal gardens for food production and social interaction.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame structure to maximize natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
05
Flexible interior layouts allow for diverse uses, fostering collaboration and creativity among residents.

The project "The Nest of Creation" is an architectural design that incorporates living spaces within a natural setting, facilitating a communal lifestyle that emphasizes creativity and sustainability. This project seeks to redefine modern housing by integrating private and communal spaces, promoting interaction among residents while providing individual retreats.

Design and Functionality

The architectural layout showcases an innovative spatial organization, focusing on a central communal area surrounded by private living units. This configuration not only supports community engagement but also enhances natural light and ventilation throughout the residences. Each unit is equipped with essential living amenities, including kitchens and workspaces, combining functionality with comfort in a compact design.

Central to the project is an emphasis on sustainability. The use of environmentally friendly materials, such as wood, reeds, concrete, glass, and metal, contributes to the construction's overall effectiveness in energy conservation. The architecture incorporates a ground-water heat pump system and solar panels to optimize energy efficiency and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources. Insulation materials are strategically implemented for thermal performance, ensuring a comfortable living environment while minimizing environmental impact.

Innovative Design Approaches

One distinguishing feature of "The Nest of Creation" is its architectural integration with nature. The use of reeds for roofing not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also provides natural thermal insulation, showcasing a unique approach to traditional roofing methods. The varied rooflines create a dynamic visual identity, contrasting with the organic forms of the landscape.

The communal gardens surrounding the buildings not only add to the visual interest but also serve functional purposes, including food production and recreational spaces. This aspect fosters a connection between residents and their environment, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability and community interaction.

Community Engagement and Interaction

The architectural design emphasizes social engagement through strategically placed communal spaces that encourage residents to gather and collaborate. Flexible furniture arrangements within these areas allow for adaptability to various social functions, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness. This approach to design prioritizes the user experience, creating a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for residents.

Exploring architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs provides further insight into the thoughtful considerations behind "The Nest of Creation." This project exemplifies how modern architecture can support communal living while being mindful of environmental sustainability. For a comprehensive understanding of its architectural ideas and spatial arrangements, an in-depth exploration of the project presentation is encouraged.

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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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