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Guest house featuring thermal brick walls and a green roof for enhanced sustainability

Authors:
Sucheta Nadig, Guillaume Fillion Lapointe
Guest house featuring thermal brick walls and a green roof for enhanced sustainability

Project in-detail

Nestled into the landscape, this guest house uniquely combines thermal brick walls and hempcrete insulation with an expansive green roof, creating a sustainable retreat that harmonizes with nature while providing inviting communal and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The use of hempcrete blocks provides natural insulation, enhancing energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
02
A green roof system not only promotes biodiversity but also aids in stormwater management and temperature regulation.
03
Thermal brick walls are engineered to optimize thermal mass, effectively stabilizing indoor temperatures throughout the year.
04
Transom windows are strategically placed to facilitate natural ventilation, contributing to improved indoor air quality.
05
The terraced layout follows the natural topography of the site, integrating the building organically into the landscape while enhancing views.
The architectural project known as "The Furrow" represents a thoughtful approach to contemporary living, effectively merging design with functional needs while respecting the surrounding landscape. This project is characterized by its inviting atmosphere and strategic organization, intended to create a space that encourages social interaction among guests while offering various private retreat options. Situated in a picturesque setting, the design is developed with attention to the seasonal variations of light, temperature, and natural beauty, which play a significant role in the overall experience of the space.

Functionally, "The Furrow" serves as a guest house that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living environments. It is designed to foster communal activities without sacrificing privacy. The central feature of the project is the tasting room, a communal area where guests can gather, share meals, and forge connections. Surrounding this core space are carefully designed private quarters, serving to provide a balance between social engagement and personal seclusion. This arrangement allows visitors to enjoy the benefits of shared experiences while having tranquil spaces to retreat to when desired.

The architectural design incorporates several important elements that highlight its uniqueness. Its layout is heavily influenced by the natural topography of the site, featuring a series of terraces that ascend and descend harmoniously with the landscape. This not only provides stunning visual lines but also ensures that the building interacts thoughtfully with the terrain, maintaining a low profile that minimizes disruption to the natural setting.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project's integrity. The use of thermal brick for the primary structural elements demonstrates a commitment to durability and thermal efficiency, while materials like hempcrete blocks further emphasize sustainability and ecological responsibility. Large, wood-framed windows are strategically placed throughout the building, facilitating abundant natural light while providing expansive views of the exterior landscape. Each material choice is intentional, contributing to the overall aesthetic and functional goals of the architecture.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the project is its focus on sustainability within the design framework. The inclusion of features such as solar panels, green roofs, and natural ventilation systems underscores a dedication to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The green roofs serve a dual purpose: they not only promote biodiversity but also enhance the building's thermal performance, demonstrating that thoughtful design can successfully integrate environmental consciousness into architecture.

In terms of spatial organization, "The Furrow" exhibits an accessible flow between its public and private areas. Guests are welcomed through communal zones characterized by open layouts and inviting features, which lead to more intimate spaces. This zoning effectively encourages both solitary time and group interactions, aligning with the needs of various visitors.

Attention to detail is apparent throughout the project, from the texture of hand-troweled lime plaster on the walls to the solidity of precast concrete beams providing structural support. These elements enhance the tactile experience of the architecture, allowing visitors to connect physically and emotionally with the space.

The design of "The Furrow" is truly comprehensive and thoughtfully executes the interplay between the built environment and its natural context. It embodies a modern architectural philosophy that prioritizes sustainability, community, and a connection to nature. Readers interested in exploring this project further will find rich insights by reviewing architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the innovative approaches taken in this project. Those seeking to understand more about its architectural ideas and detailed construction can delve deeper into the project presentation for a fuller appreciation of this well-crafted space.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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