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Natural Clay Tiles and Local Pine Design Elements in an Eco-Friendly Family Retreat

Authors:
Mylène Gouin, Arnaud Jouanchicot
Natural Clay Tiles and Local Pine Design Elements in an Eco-Friendly Family Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with local pine and natural clay tiles, the retreat's design harmoniously integrates modular living spaces that prioritize sustainability and privacy amidst a mountainous landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced maritime pine and insulated with oak cork panels.
02
Integrates a grey water recycling system to promote resource conservation.
03
Utilizes natural clay for terracotta tiles, reflecting local craftsmanship.
04
Modular pod design allows flexibility in placement and construction.
05
Features large glass facades to enhance natural light and connection to the landscape.

The architectural project "Cahute !" embodies the concept of a minimalistic retreat focused on enhancing the relationship between individuals and the natural environment. Situated in a mountainous region, the design prioritizes sustainability and locality, emphasizing the use of locally sourced materials. The project addresses both private and communal needs, featuring individual living pods that encourage engagement with the surrounding landscape while preserving personal space.

Spatial Configuration and Functional Aspects

This architectural design incorporates several distinct elements that illustrate its functionality. Each living unit, or pod, is strategically placed to offer views of the valley while ensuring privacy for users. The arrangement is designed to foster an atmosphere of connection among occupants without compromising individual retreat spaces.

The project integrates sustainable systems, including a grey water recycling mechanism that supports ecological balance. The interior spaces emphasize comfort with a minimalistic aesthetic, utilizing natural finishes to create a warm environment. The use of large glass facades facilitates indoor-outdoor relationships, allowing occupants to fully engage with their surroundings, thereby enhancing the overall experience of living in harmony with nature.

Sustainable Design Approaches

One of the project's unique aspects is its commitment to sustainability through material selection and ecological design strategies. The use of Portuguese maritime pine for structural elements provides a durable backbone to the design, while oak cork panels ensure effective insulation. Local grey clay is featured in the terracotta tiles, reflecting the regional craft and maintaining aesthetic coherence. This thoughtful choice of materials contributes to reducing the project’s carbon footprint and encourages the support of local economies.

Another key innovative approach is the modular design of the pods, allowing for flexible placement and ease of construction in varied terrain. This versatility not only reduces construction time but also enables the design to adapt to the unique features of the site.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the "Cahute !" project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Delving into the architectural ideas will provide deeper insights into the techniques and methodologies employed, showcasing how this project stands distinct among similar architectural endeavors.

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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

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