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Elevated Structure Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Timber Integration for Community Engagement

Author:
Thibault Leslie C Courtois
Elevated Structure Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Timber Integration for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Nestled atop the Hill of the Virgin, the elevated platform seamlessly combines charred wooden shingles and sustainable timber to create a community space that fosters connection with nature and offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated platform design maximizes panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame structure, promoting unique spatial dynamics.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and sustainability.
05
Integrates seamlessly with the natural terrain to minimize ecological impact.

### Overview

The Hill of the Virgin project is located in the municipality of Saint-Léger, Belgium, characterized by its rolling hills and dense forests. The design aims to foster a connection between human experience and the natural landscape, employing principles of simplicity and transparency. By integrating architectural elements with the surrounding environment, the structure serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, encouraging exploration and interaction within its setting.

### Spatial Dynamics and Structure

At the pinnacle of the site, the design introduces a tall, elevated platform that allows for immersive views of the forest. The architectural form is defined by a square base transitioning into a streamlined vertical structure, which adheres to modern minimalism while paying homage to traditional design. The open floor plan is arranged to create adaptable spaces that facilitate social interaction and provide private retreats for reflection. A spiral staircase enhances vertical circulation, serving both practical and artistic functions by connecting levels and symbolizing ascent and discovery.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a critical role in articulating the architectural vision. The use of timber reflects sustainability principles, contributing warmth and a natural aesthetic that complements the environment. Extensive use of glass in the façade promotes natural light and visual transparency, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. Steel is utilized for structural support, ensuring stability while maintaining a sense of lightness in form. Furthermore, the project incorporates green roofs and landscaping to enrich biodiversity, while its elevated design limits disturbance to the natural terrain, reinforcing a commitment to ecological responsibility.

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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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