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Elevated Spaces Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Natural Retreat

Author:
Edward Ford
Elevated Spaces Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Natural Retreat

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber and charred shingles, the retreat’s elevated huts provide serene spaces for creative minds to connect with nature while offering privacy and communal areas for artistic collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a bent A-frame structure that enhances the integration of space with the surrounding forest.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for durability and energy efficiency while maximizing natural aesthetics.
03
Charred wooden shingles create a visually distinct façade while providing additional weather resistance.
04
Each hut features strategically placed large windows for optimal natural light and forest views, promoting a connection to nature.
05
The layout encourages communal interaction while preserving individual privacy, balancing solitude and collaboration.
The Pavilosta Poet Huts project is a thoughtfully conceived architectural endeavor situated in a forested landscape, designed to provide a tranquil retreat for writers and creatives. This project represents a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, emphasizing creativity, solitude, and community interaction. Through its well-planned layout and structure, the project serves as a sanctuary for individuals seeking inspiration while also fostering collaborative experiences among its users.

Functionally, the project consists of several individual huts, a dining hall, a meeting exhibition space, and a meditation platform. Each hut caters to different occupancy needs, allowing for personal reflection as well as communal gatherings. The architectural design reflects an acute awareness of the varied requirements of its intended occupants—some huts are designed for solo use, while others accommodate small groups, ensuring that both privacy and community engagement are prioritized.

The layout of the Pavilosta Poet Huts is meticulously planned. The individual huts are strategically placed throughout the site, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment. This arrangement minimizes disruption to the natural landscape while ensuring that each structure benefits from the inherent beauty of the forest. The careful positioning of the community buildings encourages social interaction without compromising the personal sanctity of the huts. The dining hall acts as a central point for communal meals, while the meeting exhibition space is designed to host workshops, lectures, and artistic displays, enhancing the project’s functionality as a creative retreat.

A unique aspect of the Pavilosta Poet Huts project lies in its architectural approach to materiality. The predominant use of timber offers not only aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the sustainability of the design. The architectural choices prioritize locally sourced materials and incorporate glass extensively to enhance natural lighting and accessibility to views of the forest. By allowing ample sunlight into the interiors, the design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere conducive to creativity. Steel elements provide structural integrity, but they are discreetly incorporated to maintain the overall aesthetic simplicity. Additionally, the use of biodegradable materials for interior finishes underscores a commitment to environmental consciousness.

The design incorporates an innovative approach to engaging with the natural surroundings; for example, the elevated structure of some huts presents a unique vantage point, encouraging inhabitants to immerse themselves in the forest ambiance. This thoughtful integration helps occupants feel connected to the environment, enhancing their creative processes. The interplay between indoor and outdoor spaces is a recurring theme throughout the project, encouraging occupants to step outside and engage with their surroundings while also providing comfortable, secure indoor areas for work and relaxation.

Furthermore, the architecture embodies the idea of unity with nature, with structures that reflect and interact with their environment. The organic forms used in the design of the community spaces promote a sense of belonging and encourage users to engage in communal activities. This design philosophy reinforces the project’s purpose as a retreat dedicated to artistic pursuits—a place where the solitude of individual huts contrasts beautifully with the dynamic communal spaces meant to foster creativity and collaboration.

To better understand the depths of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans and sections that offer insights into the unique design elements and spatial relationships present in the Pavilosta Poet Huts. Engaging with these materials will provide a richer appreciation for the thoughtful approach that characterizes this project, showcasing the intersection of architecture with nature and creativity. For those intrigued by innovative architectural ideas and designs that consider both individual needs and community interaction, the presentation of this project offers a valuable perspective to explore further.
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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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