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Reflective Water Features and Charred Wood Facade Enhance Seasonal Living In A Sustainable Home

Authors:
Liam David Alain Bergeron, Griffen Bowers, Emma Marie Noelle Yau
Reflective Water Features and Charred Wood Facade Enhance Seasonal Living In A Sustainable Home

Project in-detail

Charred wood facades and reflective water features create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces, designed to enhance the daily rhythms of gardening within a sustainable residential home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and weather resistance while promoting fire safety.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength combined with ecological sustainability.
03
Reflective water features are integrated to enhance ambient light and connect interior spaces with the landscape.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes both natural ventilation and aesthetic appeal, blending contemporary with traditional forms.
05
Dedicated workshop areas are seamlessly incorporated, supporting hands-on gardening and cultivation activities.
The architectural project titled "The Gardener's Home" emphasizes a refined relationship between human habitation and nature, designed specifically for individuals engaged in gardening. The structure promotes a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, encouraging interaction and connection with the surrounding landscape. The architectural design is aimed at creating an efficient yet tranquil living space, tailored to the routines and needs of a gardener while reflecting the essence of seasonal changes.

Natural materials are utilized strategically throughout the project, including wood for structural elements, glass for expansive natural lighting, and metal for durability. This diverse material palette not only supports the visual aesthetic but also enhances the functional aspects of the home. The facade exhibits a contemporary interpretation of traditional forms, merging modern lines with gabled roofs, which highlights the integration of the home within its natural context.

Unique Design Approaches in Relationship to Space

A distinctive feature of "The Gardener's Home" is its thoughtful organization that reflects the rhythms of life associated with gardening. The floor plans are split into private and communal areas, promoting both family privacy and communal interaction. The layout ensures that spaces such as the living areas and workshop are logically aligned for simultaneous use, facilitating daily activities and emphasizing efficiency.

Furthermore, the design incorporates varying ceiling heights and open spaces to create dynamic interactions between light, shadow, and the surrounding garden. The home is geared toward maximizing daylight, with large glass panels that frame views of the landscape and allow sunlight to penetrate deep into the interiors. This harmonious relationship design reduces reliance on artificial lighting, aligning with sustainable practices in architecture.

Enhanced Human Experience Through Architectural Elements

The project’s sections detail the verticality and spatial relationships within the structure, showcasing a blend of extroverted and introverted spaces. This balance allows for individual retreat while fostering connection. The placement of reflective water features within the design not only serves aesthetic purposes but also enhances the thematic engagement with light, creating a variation in experiences through various times of the day.

The emphasis on using human-scale dimensions in partitions and spaces is central to achieving comfort and intimacy within the living environment. This aspect of the design prioritizes the human experience, supporting day-to-day activities and interactions among occupants.

For an in-depth examination of "The Gardener's Home," including architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Detailed architectural designs and ideas await further exploration, providing deeper insights into the innovative approaches driving this harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
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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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