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Residential haven featuring elevated aluminum foundations and expansive glass facades with timber accents

Author:
Shaocong Yang
Residential haven featuring elevated aluminum foundations and expansive glass facades with timber accents

Project in-detail

Nestled above the landscape, this residential haven uniquely combines an aluminum foundation with expansive glass facades and a timber frame, fostering a deep connection to nature while prioritizing adaptability and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The project employs an aluminum foundation, enhancing durability and resistance to environmental conditions while minimizing the structure's overall weight.
02
Expansive glass facades are utilized to create a panoramic connection with the landscape, allowing for abundant natural light and stunning views.
03
The use of cross-laminated timber panels contributes to the building's strength while supporting sustainable forestry practices.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide an aesthetically pleasing finish and enhance the building's longevity through natural weather resistance.
05
An adaptable interior layout features movable partition walls, enabling residents to customize spaces according to their needs and activities.
The architectural project titled House of Nature presents a thoughtful approach to modern residential living, emphasizing a seamless integration with the natural environment. This design embodies a commitment to sustainability and adaptive living, reflecting a growing awareness of the relationship between architecture and the ecosystem. The project is envisioned as a modular structure, offering flexibility and functionality while fostering an intimate connection between occupants and their surroundings.

At its core, the House of Nature serves as a residence that prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and practical use. Designed to adapt to various geographical contexts, it can be situated near water bodies or within lush green landscapes. The design incorporates lightweight materials to ensure minimal environmental impact while maximizing durability and longevity of the structure. The prominent feature of the project is its lightweight aluminum foundation, which supports a robust timber frame. This choice of materials not only enhances the visual warmth within the interiors but also affirms the project’s sustainability ethos through the use of sustainably sourced timber.

Unique to this design is the extensive use of glass, which constitutes the majority of the facade. This choice facilitates a natural flow of light into the living spaces, effectively blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. The expansive glass walls invite unobstructed views of the surrounding nature, thus enriching the resident’s experience. Moreover, the central living area benefits from an open layout enabled by adaptable partition walls. This design approach ensures the space can be molded to meet the varying needs of its inhabitants, whether it is for cozy family gatherings or peaceful solitude.

The architectural designs integrated within the House of Nature reveal considerations for climate responsiveness. The elevated structure minimizes the risks associated with flooding, showcasing an intelligent response to site conditions. This elevation also enhances the visual impact of the building, allowing residents to appreciate the wider landscape.

In discussing the architectural sections, the project’s internal layout is carefully conceived to provide practicality while ensuring comfort. Each room flows into the next, allowing for a cohesive living experience. The use of plywood cladding internally contributes to a warmer atmosphere, complementing the glass exterior and creating a balanced sensory experience.

The House of Nature employs unique design approaches through its emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, responding thoughtfully to both environmental factors and human needs. This not only enhances the living quality for residents but also ties back to the overarching goal of sustainable architecture. The combination of innovation in material selection and an understanding of spatial dynamics makes the project a notable study in modern residential design.

As you explore the House of Nature project further, take a closer look at its architectural plans, sections, and overall design to gain deeper insights into how these elements collaborate to create a coherent living environment. Delve into the architectural ideas that inform this project and consider how they might inspire your own understanding of contemporary architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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