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Sustainable Retreat Crafted From Local Spruce With Natural Stone Accents

Authors:
Julia Broszkiewicz, Hanna Półtorak
Sustainable Retreat Crafted From Local Spruce With Natural Stone Accents

Project in-detail

Crafted from local spruce and accented with natural stone, the design reinterprets traditional cultural symbols within a series of traveller cabins that foster community interaction and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced spruce to ensure environmental sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
03
Incorporates passive ventilation principles for energy efficiency.
04
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to enhance spatial dynamics.
05
Establishes communal spaces to encourage social interaction among visitors.
The project titled "Austra's Tree" is an architectural design consisting of a series of traveller cabins located on Caramel Shore. It serves as a modern interpretation of a cultural symbol, aiming to connect historical narratives with contemporary living. The cabins are designed to provide both accommodation and communal spaces that promote social interaction while respecting the surrounding natural landscape.

The architecture emphasizes a duality of form, representing the connection between different temporal dimensions—roots that signify the past, foliage that represents the present, and heights that aspire toward the future. Each cabin is intended to function both individually and collectively, facilitating a diverse range of experiences for visitors.

Unique Design Aspects
Austra's Tree stands out due to its integration of local cultural symbolism with modern architectural principles. The structure's geometry is deliberate, allowing for enhanced natural ventilation while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Noteworthy features include large windows that frame views of the surrounding environment, establishing a direct relationship between interior spaces and the natural world.

The material palette comprises local and sustainable options, including spruce wood for structural elements, vinyl panels for durability, ebony wood for interior finishes, stone veneer for facade treatment, and textured plastering for wall surfaces. This selection not only ensures functional durability but also reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Architectural Integration of Community Spaces
In addition to individual cabins, the project includes essential communal facilities such as a sauna, fireplace, and storage shed. These elements encourage social engagement among visitors and enhance the overall experience of the site. The careful placement of these communal spaces is a crucial design consideration, as it allows for interaction without compromising the privacy of individual cabins.

The project also features architectural elements that echo traditional building styles without directly imitating them. The use of local materials and construction methods ensures that the design is contextually relevant while also providing a modern living experience. The result is an architectural solution that resonates with both historical significance and contemporary needs.

For those interested in a comprehensive understanding of the project, examining architectural plans, sections, and specific design elements would provide further insights into the spatial organization and architectural ideas that underpin "Austra's Tree." Explore the project presentation for a deeper look into its design features and functional outcomes.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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