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Living Among Trees With Louvered Facades and Natural Wood Elements

Authors:
Hyungjun Jung, Jieun Lee
Living Among Trees With Louvered Facades and Natural Wood Elements

Project in-detail

Nestled around a living tree, the design integrates louvered facades and locally sourced wood, offering a harmonious space that blends residential comfort with the natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure is designed to envelop a living tree, preserving its integrity and enhancing the natural experience.
02
Louvered facades allow for adjustable light and ventilation while providing unobstructed views of the natural surroundings.
03
Local wood materials are selected for their sustainability and integration into the surrounding environment.
04
The modular layout offers flexible living arrangements that adapt to the occupants' needs and preferences.
05
Natural ventilation strategies are emphasized through the design, reducing reliance on mechanical systems for climate control.
The Embracing Tree House is an architectural project that explores the integration of nature and living spaces, presenting a design that deliberately blurs the boundaries between the built environment and its natural surroundings. This structure symbolizes a commitment to ecological harmony, offering an innovative response to the common disconnect between urban life and nature. It challenges traditional notions of housing by centering its design around a living tree, encouraging residents to experience their home as a part of the landscape rather than an isolated entity.

Functionally, the Embracing Tree House serves as a residential space that promotes both comfort and interaction with the environment. The architecture is articulated through a tessellated modular system, allowing for flexible living arrangements that cater to the varied needs of its occupants. Each module can be adjusted or rearranged, providing a sense of personalization that aligns with modern habitation trends. This flexibility underscores a contemporary approach to design where adaptability is a key consideration, ensuring that the architecture evolves alongside the lifestyle of its residents.

The unique design of the Embracing Tree House is most evident in its use of the central tree around which the structure is built. This careful consideration of nature as a core element of the project represents a significant shift in architectural thinking. Rather than seeing the tree as an obstacle to be removed, the design embraces its presence, integrating it into the living space and highlighting the importance of preserving local ecosystems. The idea is to foster a deeper connection between inhabitants and nature, allowing them not only to observe it but to embody it in their daily lives.

Another important aspect of the design is the louvered facade that provides both functional and aesthetic benefits. These adjustable panels allow for customization of light and airflow, enabling residents to control their internal environment while maintaining unobstructed views of the landscape. This feature exemplifies a sophisticated approach to environmental design, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability in architecture. By facilitating natural ventilation and minimizing reliance on mechanical systems, the project demonstrates a commitment to reducing energy consumption.

The materiality of the Embracing Tree House is also worthy of discussion, as it contributes to the overall aesthetic and environmental ethos of the project. The use of locally sourced wood not only aligns with sustainable building practices but also adds warmth and texture to the structure. Coupled with glass elements, the materials create a dialogue between transparency and solidity, fostering a sense of openness without compromising structural integrity. This careful choice reinforces the modern architectural language while remaining true to the natural context of the setting.

Furthermore, the modular nature of the design encourages community engagement and social interaction among residents. By allowing spaces to be configured in various ways, the architecture invites collaboration and shared experiences, promoting a communal atmosphere. This reflects broader architectural trends that emphasize the importance of social sustainability, as urban areas increasingly seek to create environments conducive to connection among inhabitants.

The Embracing Tree House represents a thoughtful synthesis of architectural innovation and environmental stewardship. By prioritizing the preservation of natural elements within the design, it redefines how we perceive residential spaces in urban contexts. The project embodies a forward-thinking approach to architecture that recognizes the integral role of nature in our lives, resonating with an audience that values both functionality and ecological awareness.

For those interested in exploring the intricate details of this architectural masterpiece, including its design processes and spatial configurations, the project presentation offers a wealth of information. Reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and design concepts will provide deeper insights into how this project successfully marries modern living with the natural world. Engage with this thoughtful design to uncover the many layers that comprise the Embracing Tree House, reflecting a mindful approach to our built environments.
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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