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Home Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Yufan Liu, Chun Zhou, Yi Yang, Song Zhang
Home Utilizing Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

This thoughtfully designed home seamlessly integrates cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, creating a sustainable living environment that prioritizes natural light and outdoor connections through a carefully orchestrated layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The residence incorporates a bent A-frame design, allowing for unique ceiling heights and enhanced interior spatial dynamics.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for the exterior, offering both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability against environmental elements.
03
Strategic solar orientation maximizes natural light throughout the day, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and promoting energy efficiency.
04
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels not only supports a sustainable framework but also contributes to a warm and inviting interior atmosphere.
05
Outdoor living spaces are designed to seamlessly blend with the landscape, incorporating water features and landscaped pathways that enhance the connection to nature.
This architectural project, known as Le Cadran Solaire, embodies a thoughtful integration of space, light, and nature, focused on crafting a harmonious living environment. The design captures the essence of modern architecture while placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and user experience. Designed as a residential sanctuary, the project seeks to foster a deep connection between its inhabitants and the surrounding landscape.

Functionally, Le Cadran Solaire is organized to facilitate daily living through strategically planned spaces that prioritize comfort and interaction with the exterior environment. The layout encompasses communal areas, private quarters, and transitional spaces that reflect a seamless flow throughout the home. The open-plan design of the ground floor encourages social engagement while maintaining visual links to the gardens and outdoor areas framed by expansive glass panels. This transparency conveys a sense of openness, inviting natural light to envelop the interior and connecting the residents to nature.

Key elements of the project include the careful consideration of solar orientation, which informs the building's positioning to optimize natural light throughout the day. The use of large windows allows for an abundance of sunlight, while carefully placed overhangs and sun shading devices serve as functional aspects that regulate the thermal comfort within the dwelling. The design acknowledges the movement of the sun as a critical factor in enhancing the occupants' quality of life, promoting a routine that aligns with the changing daylight.

Material selection plays a pivotal role in the architectural integrity of Le Cadran Solaire. A palette that includes wood for structural and aesthetic elements contributes to the warmth of the interior spaces. Glass, used extensively, not only facilitates views but also enhances the feeling of spaciousness and lightness. The incorporation of concrete in the foundational and terrace elements provides a robust contrast, underscoring the modernity of the design. Additionally, the use of stone in outdoor landscaping contributes to the tactile experience while harmonizing with natural surroundings.

One of the unique design approaches adopted in this project is the emphasis on outdoor living. The integration of landscaped areas and water features encourages occupants to engage with their environment, enriching their daily experiences. Pathways woven through the gardens and areas for relaxation create inviting spaces that promote interaction not only among residents but also with nature. This aspect underlines a conscious effort to enhance the occupants' lifestyle, offering opportunities for leisure amidst natural settings.

Moreover, the project incorporates sustainable practices that extend beyond passive solar design. The use of high-quality materials and energy-efficient systems aims to reduce overall energy consumption, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. By embedding these principles into the foundation of the design, Le Cadran Solaire stands as an example of responsible architecture that respects its ecological context and promotes sustainable living.

In summary, Le Cadran Solaire is an architectural representation of tranquility and harmony, merging modern design with natural elements to create a residence that is both functional and inviting. The attention to space, light, and the environment encapsulates a philosophy that values well-being and sustainability, making it a noteworthy example in contemporary architecture. Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas to gain deeper insights into its thoughtful execution.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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