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Curved Wooden Walls and Sustainable Solar Panels Elevate a Serene Wellness Retreat

Authors:
Keshen Liu, x x
Curved Wooden Walls and Sustainable Solar Panels Elevate a Serene Wellness Retreat

Project in-detail

Curved wooden walls bring warmth and texture to a retreat designed with sustainable solar panels, offering a multi-functional wellness space that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved wooden walls create a seamless transition between interior spaces and the natural environment.
02
The design incorporates solar panels to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique aesthetic while improving durability and weather resistance.
04
An elevated structure facilitates natural water flow, minimizing environmental disruption.
05
Multi-functional spaces accommodate various wellness activities, promoting holistic experiences.

### Architectural Design Report: WMW Project

#### Overview
Located within a tranquil landscape, the WMW project emphasizes the interplay between architecture and its natural surroundings. The design intent focuses on creating a refuge that fosters an immersive experience with nature, encouraging occupants to engage deeply with their environment. By framing specific views, the architecture adds a dynamic element to the spaces, inviting a contemplative interaction with the site.

#### Spatial Organization
The layout is strategically arranged to balance communal and private areas. The guest house features bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchens that prioritize comfort while ensuring privacy. A shared dining area and kitchen promote social interaction, reinforcing the design's communal spirit. Wellness facilities, including a spa, therapy room, sauna, and outdoor pool, are integrated to enhance relaxation and well-being. The overall spatial arrangement exhibits a curvilinear form, skillfully responding to the geographic contours of the site and facilitating natural flow throughout the structure.

#### Material Selection
Materials were selected for both their aesthetic qualities and environmental performance. Predominant use of wood in the walls lends warmth and tactile engagement, aligning with the project's natural aesthetic. Concrete provides structural stability, serving as a reliable base while allowing for diverse textures. Extensive use of glass creates transparency, offering unobstructed views and fostering a strong visual relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, roof-mounted solar panels signify a commitment to sustainability by harnessing renewable energy sources, reflecting modern ecological values in design. Through this careful materiality, the project aims to achieve harmony with its surroundings while addressing functional requirements.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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