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Sustainably Crafted Home Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Holistic Living

Authors:
Clara Amaral faria camelo, Emanuella Harume kashiwakura, Júlia De oliveira gadelha, Gabriel guillermo Barajas
Sustainably Crafted Home Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles for Holistic Living

Project in-detail

Crafted with cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, the design embraces passive heating and natural ventilation, creating a serene environment for yoga and holistic living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from locally sourced cross-laminated timber, enhancing sustainability and structural integrity.
02
The bent A-frame silhouette optimizes natural light and airflow throughout the interior spaces.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while creating a visually striking exterior texture.
04
Dedicated rooftop yoga area emphasizes connection with the surrounding natural environment.
05
The design integrates passive heating elements to minimize energy consumption and enhance comfort.
The Chin House is an architectural design project that effectively integrates natural elements into its overall structure, promoting a connection to the surrounding landscape while focusing on sustainability and wellness. Located in a serene environment, the house serves as a versatile space for living and practicing yoga, designed specifically to enhance the inhabitants' physical and mental well-being.

The architectural design features a fluid layout comprising communal and private spaces. The central living area, characterized by expansive glass walls, promotes natural light and seamless interaction with the outdoors. This area is complemented by a rooftop yoga space that emphasizes open-air practices, strategically oriented to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day. The bedrooms and bathrooms, segregated from the common areas, provide privacy and tranquility for residents.

Unique Design Approaches

The Chin House employs a spiral shell-inspired form that signifies growth and connection to nature. This organic shape is not simply aesthetic; it optimizes internal layouts for light and airflow, catering to the natural environment surrounding the site. The design utilizes Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary structural material, which contributes to the building's environmental sustainability by minimizing carbon footprint and utilizing renewable resources. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability and ecological mindfulness.

Another significant aspect of the design is the extensive use of glass, which creates a transparent barrier that effectively blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This approach enhances the living experience by engaging residents with their natural surroundings, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Sustainability is further emphasized through the project’s architectural orientation. Strategic placement of windows and roof overhangs reduces reliance on artificial lighting and establishes passive heating strategies, thus contributing to energy efficiency. Moreover, the wraparound wooden deck connects the indoor living space with the exterior, promoting outdoor interactions and relaxation.

By focusing on communal living spaces while thoughtfully designing private zones, the Chin House exemplifies an architectural approach that addresses the need for wellness-oriented habitats in a modern context. The project presents a refined solution for contemporary living while prioritizing environmental integration and sustainability.

Explore the project presentation for in-depth information about architectural plans, sections, and designs, and gain insights into the innovative ideas that shape the Chin House’s comprehensive living experience.
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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
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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