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Curvilinear Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Construction

Authors:
Alejandra Novelo Lugo, Luis Montoya
Curvilinear Retreat Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Construction

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the retreat seamlessly integrates with the landscape while offering a tranquil space for wellness and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that creates dynamic interior volume and natural light penetration.
04
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate on-site gardens.
05
Landscaped with native vegetation to enhance biodiversity and reduce maintenance.

### Project Overview

The design is situated in a context that encourages outdoor engagement and interaction with the natural environment. The intent is to create a space that not only serves functional purposes but also fosters a connection between users and the surrounding landscape.

### Site Layout and Functional Organization

The site plan effectively organizes various functional zones, including guest accommodations, staff areas, dining facilities, and spa amenities. This strategic arrangement promotes interaction while maintaining privacy where necessary.

- **Guest Accommodations**: These spaces are designed with distinct areas for sleeping and relaxation, complemented by private outdoor areas that enhance the overall experience for visitors.

- **Staff Zones**: Located to ensure operational efficiency without compromising privacy, the staff areas facilitate effective functionality.

- **Dining Areas**: Both indoor and outdoor dining spaces are integrated to maximize interactions with nature, enriching the dining experience through sensory engagement.

- **Spa Facilities**: The spa is designed with an emphasis on wellness, featuring therapy rooms and relaxation spaces that contribute to a holistic retreat.

### Architectural Expression and Materiality

The architectural design employs flowing forms that complement the natural topography, creating a visual harmony with the landscape. The structure incorporates a combination of solid and transparent elements, allowing for ample natural light while providing expansive views.

- **Material Selection**: Choices such as local stone and wood framing reflect a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Local stone serves as a key element in facades, promoting thermal mass and cohesion with the site.

- **Wood Finishes**: Interior finishes utilize wood to enhance warmth and create a tactile experience, further promoting a natural ambience throughout the spaces.

- **Unique Elements**: Blue clay is utilized in the spa facilities for its functional and conceptual benefits, supporting the theme of healing through natural materials.

### Water Management and Landscape Integration

The design prioritizes water management as a key component of sustainability.

- **Rainwater Harvesting**: Systems are implemented to collect rainwater, which is redirected to service an on-site food garden, enhancing self-sustainability.

- **Landscaping**: The integration of natural contours and gardens allows for a seamless relationship between the constructed and natural environments. The careful sculpting of topography enhances both drainage and visual aesthetics, reinforcing the connection to the site.

Overall, the project serves as a comprehensive approach to architectural design, balancing functionality and environmental sensitivity through careful planning and material selection.

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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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