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Cross-Laminated Timber Sanctuary Integrating Charred Shingles and Natural Light

Author:
Soo-hyun Kim
Cross-Laminated Timber Sanctuary Integrating Charred Shingles and Natural Light

Project in-detail

Emphasizing cross-laminated timber construction and charred shingles, this retreat harmonizes with its surrounding forest while providing a serene space for community gatherings and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
The retreat features an innovative bent A-frame design that enhances structural efficiency while maximizing interior volume.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both strength and aesthetic appeal, creating a seamless connection to the surrounding environment.
03
Charred wooden shingles are used not only for their visual texture but also for improved durability and fire resistance.
04
An open-plan layout encourages interaction and collaboration among visitors, fostering a sense of community engagement.
05
Large glass panels strategically placed throughout the design offer unobstructed views of the natural landscape, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The architectural project known as "The Blend" is a meticulously crafted design that seeks to create a harmonious relationship between modern living and nature. Positioned in a serene, wooded setting, this project serves as a retreat for individuals seeking refuge from the demands of urban life. The architectural concept emphasizes integration, promoting a living experience that allows occupants to engage with their natural surroundings while enjoying contemporary comforts.

At the core of "The Blend" lies the idea of fostering a therapeutic interaction between the built environment and the landscape. This is achieved through open spatial designs that emphasize the flow of natural light and encourage social interaction among visitors. The retreat is subdivided into three distinct yet interconnected zones, each strategically designed to serve specific functions while maintaining a cohesive architectural narrative.

The private space, located on the upper level, includes guest bedrooms designed for comfort and tranquility. Utilizing light wood finishes, the rooms create an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation. The middle level serves as a buffer zone, which transitions between private quarters and the more public areas of the building. This design effectively facilitates movement and interaction, accommodating both solitude and social engagement. The ground floor serves as the public heart of the project, incorporating communal living spaces, workshops, and dining areas that are expressly designed for shared experiences. This thoughtful arrangement fosters a sense of community among visitors, emphasizing the project’s intent to cultivate connections.

In terms of materiality, "The Blend" employs a careful selection of local resources that align with sustainability goals. The predominant use of pine wood for the structural framework and facades reflects traditional timber construction methods while providing warmth and tactile qualities to the interiors. Birch wood is utilized in the furniture, contributing both aesthetic appeal and practicality. White brick presents a clean, modern contrast to the surrounding natural materials, and stone walls offer a grounding element that enhances the building's stability. Expansive glass panels serve to enhance the relationship between interior and exterior spaces, allowing abundant natural light to permeate the rooms and creating a seamless transition from indoors to outdoors.

Unique design approaches are evident in the adaptability of the spaces, allowing configurations to change based on the number of visitors and their varying needs. Folding walls and sliding doors facilitate this transformability, enabling room sizes to adjust and allowing the retreat to accommodate both small and large gatherings seamlessly. Natural light is meticulously integrated into the design, employing skylights and large windows to create dynamic environments that change throughout the day and encourage occupants to engage with the elements.

The sectional arrangement of "The Blend" reflects a conscious decision to design vertical connectivity, which facilitates visual and physical links between different levels. The interplay between the different floor heights enriches the spatial experience, contributing to the overall sense of openness.

The essence of "The Blend" is rooted in a commitment to promoting wellness through architectural design. It integrates various functional elements within a framework that resonates with its natural environment, ultimately resulting in a retreat that respects and reflects its surroundings. This project exemplifies how thoughtful architectural practices can marry the human experience with the beauty of nature.

For a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. Reviewing architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas will provide valuable insights into how "The Blend" uniquely realizes its vision of a modern retreat within a natural setting. This exploration will enhance appreciation for the project’s intricacies and design philosophy, showcasing how architecture can successfully bridge the gap between contemporary living and the tranquility of the natural world.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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