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Cross-Laminated Timber Wellness Spaces Embracing Forest Views

Author:
Luc Champinot
Cross-Laminated Timber Wellness Spaces Embracing Forest Views

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber, the design integrates wellness spaces that foster a deep connection with the surrounding forest, facilitating mindful living in a contemporary residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
03
Features expansive yoga and meditation spaces designed for natural light capture.
04
Employs steel screw piles for minimal site disruption and environmental preservation.
05
Offers seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living areas through large sliding panels.

## Overview
Located in a serene, wooded environment, the Reflection House is designed to integrate with its natural surroundings while preserving the area's inherent beauty. The residence is articulated through a tripartite division of functions—day, service, and sleeping areas—aimed at promoting well-being, mindfulness, and a deep connection with the landscape. The layout prioritizes the influx of natural light and minimizes disruption to local flora and fauna.

### Spatial Strategy
The Reflection House employs a segmented spatial organization that differentiates functional areas while allowing for fluid transitions. Key features include a yoga room of 28.80 m², designed for group practices and ample movement, adjacent to a 4.5 m² meditation space intended for solitary reflection or small gatherings. Communal areas such as the dining (14.35 m²) and living spaces (13.75 m²) are strategically positioned to enhance social interaction, while ensuring privacy in the sleeping quarters, each measuring 22.50 m². The navigation throughout the house is intuitive, with clear access points linking the diverse sections, and thoughtfully located bathrooms and storage areas that balance convenience and privacy for occupants.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material palette reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental mindfulness. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) forms the primary structure, enabling expansive open spaces without the need for central columns. The exterior features sheet steel, providing durability while harmonizing with the natural aesthetics. For insulation, wood and sheep’s wool were chosen for their sustainable properties and thermal performance. The foundation utilizes steel screw piles, which require minimal excavation, thereby preserving the root systems of adjacent trees. This combination of materials establishes the Reflection House as an example of eco-sensitive residential design, illustrating a balance between human habitation and ecological preservation.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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