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Elevated Living Space Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Roof Integration

Author:
Malin Persson
Elevated Living Space Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Roof Integration

Project in-detail

Elevated above the forest floor, the residence incorporates cross-laminated timber and a living green roof to create a harmonious environment, providing a unique blend of comfort and connection to nature for its occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a living green roof composed of sedum, enhancing insulation and supporting local biodiversity.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used not only for structure but also for aesthetic continuity, seamlessly integrating with the forest backdrop.
03
The residence is elevated on steel supports, minimizing land disturbance and providing unobstructed views of the surrounding treetops.
04
Semi-transparent walls in private areas maintain privacy while offering glimpses of the natural environment, fostering a unique connection with nature.
05
A dedicated wellness space incorporates expansive glass sections that amplify natural light, promoting mindfulness and well-being within the home.
The architectural project "Among the Treetops" encapsulates a vision of seamless integration between residential living and the natural environment. Nestled within a dense forest, this design reflects a contemporary approach to architecture that emphasizes sustainability and a deep connection to nature. The project is not merely a structure, but a living space that promotes coexistence with the surrounding ecosystem, inviting its inhabitants to experience the beauty and serenity of the forest from an elevated perspective.

The essence of "Among the Treetops" lies in its innovative design, which elevates the living spaces above the forest floor. This elevation minimizes environmental disruption, allowing for an unobtrusive presence within the landscape. The building is intentionally designed to respect and engage with its surroundings, creating a habitat that fosters an appreciation for the ecosystem. The fundamental function of this project is to provide a dwelling that offers both comfort and a unique vantage point of the natural world.

A key element of the project is its materiality, which plays a crucial role in establishing the relationship between the architecture and its context. The primary materials utilized in the design include glass, timber, steel, and green roofing. Glass facades are strategically employed to maximize natural light and provide expansive views of the treetops. This transparency creates an immersive experience, allowing occupants to feel connected to the outdoors while enjoying modern comforts inside. The use of timber adds warmth and a natural aesthetic, reinforcing the building's integration with the forest.

Steel components are incorporated to enhance structural stability, particularly for the elevated sections of the building. This careful consideration of materials not only supports the architectural integrity but also underscores a commitment to sustainability, with the project taking advantage of locally sourced resources whenever possible. The green roof, adorned with sedum, serves to further enhance energy efficiency, improve insulation, and contribute to local biodiversity.

The design layout is functional and adaptable, featuring open-plan living spaces that encourage social interaction and flexible use. The ground floor is designed to accommodate communal activities, with a kitchen and lounge area that overlook the forest, inviting light and views into the heart of the home. Above, private bedrooms on the upper levels maintain a sense of intimacy while benefiting from panoramic vistas of the landscape. Unique to this project is the incorporation of semi-transparent walls that ensure privacy while still allowing glimpses of the exterior environment, enhancing the overall connection to nature.

Furthermore, the building incorporates wellness-oriented spaces, such as a dedicated yoga studio. The expansive glass walls in these areas bring in natural light and connect users with the natural ambiance, cultivating an atmosphere of tranquility and mindfulness. The design includes features that promote ventilation and climate control, ensuring comfort while minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.

A notable aspect of "Among the Treetops" is its approach to blending architecture with wildlife. The elevated design encourages occupants to engage with the surrounding ecosystem actively, providing opportunities to observe local flora and fauna from a novel perspective. This connection to nature is woven into the architecture, encouraging an awareness of the environment that is often lost in modern living.

The project exemplifies unique design approaches that prioritize sustainability, adaptability, and harmony with nature. By balancing innovative architectural forms with environmentally sensitive practices, "Among the Treetops" demonstrates a progressive understanding of how architecture can serve both its inhabitants and the ecological context.

For readers interested in exploring the finer details of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, it is encouraged to delve deeper into the architectural presentation. By examining these elements, one can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the thoughtful design processes that underscore this remarkable architectural endeavor.
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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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