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Natural Ventilation and Elevated Design in a Birch-Clad Retreat

Authors:
Giulio Pandolfi, Clarissa Guerrini, Valerio Cerri, Matteo Lorenzini
Natural Ventilation and Elevated Design in a Birch-Clad Retreat

Project in-detail

Elevated above the ground, a birch-clad retreat integrates natural ventilation and a straw roof, creating a sustainable guest house that harmonizes with its remote landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design reduces environmental impact and enhances drainage.
02
Birch cladding provides thermal efficiency while blending with the landscape.
03
Natural ventilation optimizes indoor air quality using passive techniques.
04
Distinct separation of functions fosters community interaction and accessibility.
05
Straw roof integrates sustainability with a traditional aesthetic.

The architectural design emerges in a remote landscape, where the relationship between the built environment and nature is a primary focus. The layout features three main structures: a guest house, a spa, and a restaurant. Each building is designed to connect meaningfully with its surrounding environment. The overall concept emphasizes simplicity and sustainability, creating a space that harmonizes with the natural setting over time.

Architectural Concept

The design revolves around the interaction between architecture and its natural context. It seeks to balance practical functions with ecological awareness. By drawing inspiration from local natural elements, the design breaks down artificial barriers between structures and their environments. This modular approach mirrors traditional rural buildings, making the spaces familiar and user-friendly while meeting modern needs.

Spatial Organization

The layout separates the different functions into distinct buildings, promoting clarity and ease of movement. Public spaces are strategically placed to encourage interaction with the landscape. The guest house, positioned near a pond, offers an intimate retreat for visitors. The spa and restaurant, on the other hand, serve both residents and day visitors, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Materiality and Construction

Material choices play a significant role in supporting the design’s sustainability goals. Key materials include wooden beams, horizontal birch coating panels, and a straw roof. These elements not only provide structural support but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the buildings. Wooden beams add warmth and character, while birch panels improve thermal performance. The straw roof insulates effectively and will blend into the landscape as it ages.

Environmental Integration

The design lifts the buildings off the ground, reducing their impact on the environment. This elevation allows for improved drainage and less disruption to the site. Strategic orientation maximizes natural light and improves thermal comfort throughout the year. These choices lead to architecture that supports its functions while fostering a strong connection to the surrounding nature, encouraging occupants to engage with the landscape.

The outcome is a recognizable design that incorporates local tradition, with structures that age beautifully in their context. Each building creates a dialogue with the landscape, inviting users to appreciate the changing relationship between natural surroundings and human-built spaces.

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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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