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Salt Crystal Walls and Elevated Timber Structures Enhance Communal Living

Author:
Joanna Kuczkowska
Salt Crystal Walls and Elevated Timber Structures Enhance Communal Living

Project in-detail

Employing elevated timber structures and integrating salt crystal walls, the design creates a seamless blend of ecological sensitivity and communal living, enhancing the guest accommodation experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates salt crystal walls that interact with light to create dynamic indoor atmospheres.
02
Utilizes elevated concrete posts for improved drainage and future expansion capabilities.
03
Features modular guest units that allow for flexible accommodation arrangements.
04
Integrates cross-laminated timber for both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
05
Design emphasizes natural ventilation and energy efficiency through passive strategies.
The "Salt and Wood" architectural project encompasses a well-integrated multi-functional structure designed to provide accommodation and communal spaces while emphasizing sustainability and local context. The design comprises three main components: a host house, guest quarters, and a communal area inclusive of a covered terrace, kitchen, and bathrooms. Situated strategically to maximize environmental benefits, the building elevates on concrete posts, facilitating drainage and future expansion possibilities.

The architectural style is notable for its use of circular forms, promoting a sense of community while ensuring a seamless flow of movement between different spaces. The combination of these geometric configurations with carefully selected materials enhances the overall user experience and aligns the building with its natural surroundings.

Material Selection and Sustainability

This project employs a diverse range of materials, including timber cladding, glass, salt crystals, concrete, and responsibly sourced wood. Each material serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. Timber cladding offers warmth while blending harmoniously with the environment. Glass elements enhance views and natural light, connecting occupants visually to the exterior landscape. The incorporation of salt crystals into a feature wall not only adds visual interest but also interacts with lighting to create dynamic indoor atmospheres.

The project's sustainability framework is defined by passive design strategies. Consolidated energy and water systems utilize rainwater harvesting and wastewater management, contributing to an eco-friendly operational model. The elevated structure allows for better air circulation and minimizes heat absorption, optimizing natural ventilation. As such, the architecture prioritizes ecological responsibility while serving the needs of its users.

Innovative Design Approaches

A key aspect of the "Salt and Wood" design is its focus on flexibility and adaptability. Movable bedrooms accommodate various guest configurations, ensuring comfort regardless of group size. This feature mirrors the broader design ethos of modularity seen throughout the project. The architectural approach incorporates distinctive salt wall installations that not only provide thermal regulation but also daylight interplay, enhancing the sensory experience within occupied spaces.

Furthermore, the layout encourages communal interaction through shared areas designed for social engagement and relaxation. By elevating the building, views of the surrounding mountainous landscape can be fully appreciated, reinforcing the connection to nature that is integral to the project’s narrative.

The "Salt and Wood" architectural project represents a fusion of innovative design and ecological sensitivity. For a comprehensive understanding, exploring architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into the project’s structural ingenuity and functional benefits. Interested readers are encouraged to review additional elements related to the project to appreciate how these architectural ideas culminate in a cohesive, sustainable solution.
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Enter an open architecture
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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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