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Curvilinear Design Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles Integrated Within Natural Landscape

Authors:
Osama Salti, Monty Lipphardt, Michael Korn
Curvilinear Design Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles Integrated Within Natural Landscape

Project in-detail

With a distinctive curvilinear form and the use of charred wooden shingles, the design seamlessly integrates into its natural surroundings to create a tranquil retreat focused on wellness and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design enhances airflow and light quality throughout the interior.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide durability while offering a visually striking exterior.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction waste and improve insulation.
04
Elevated footprint minimizes landscape disruption and fosters natural drainage.
05
Integrated solar energy systems enhance sustainability and reduce energy costs.
Casa de Relaxa is an architectural project located in Vale de Moses, Portugal, designed with a primary focus on creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings. This project embodies a design ethos centered on wellness and tranquility, integrating seamlessly with its landscape.

The building features a layout characterized by open spaces that promote relaxation and communal activities. Central to its design is a yoga room, complemented by various wet areas and technical spaces that facilitate functionality while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The careful arrangement of these spaces encourages movement and interaction among users while providing areas for solitude and mindfulness.

Natural materials dominate the design, with wood being the primary structural element that imparts warmth to the interiors. Expansive glass panels are employed to create unobstructed views of the surrounding forest while maximizing natural light. Steel elements act as structural supports, ensuring stability for the cantilevered sections of the building. The exterior cladding incorporates slatted wood panels that provide both shading and privacy, reinforcing the building's connection to its environment while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Organic integration within the topography distinguishes Casa de Relaxa from similar projects. Rather than imposing on the landscape, the design elevates the structure, allowing for minimal disruption to the site. This approach facilitates optimal learning objectives, such as passive climate control through strategic window placements and roof pitches designed for natural airflow. Sustainability is further showcased through the inclusion of solar panels and rainwater collection systems, reflecting growing trends in eco-friendly architecture.

The project layout rewards exploration with interconnected spaces that engage with outdoor elements. The outdoor verandas and gardens function as extensions of the interior, allowing users to experience nature in tandem with the building’s comforts. Strategic placement of these outdoor areas invites spontaneous gatherings, enhancing the overall communal experience.

Each aspect of Casa de Relaxa was thoughtfully considered, ensuring that the architecture promotes both function and well-being. To gain deeper insights into this project and its architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for comprehensive details.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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