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Thatched Roof Shelter with Peek-a-Boo Openings and Stacked Timber Walls

Authors:
Hanbing Wu, Helia Mahdavian, Fiona Lam
Thatched Roof Shelter with Peek-a-Boo Openings and Stacked Timber Walls

Project in-detail

A tilted thatched roof with peek-a-boo openings creates a unique shelter that engages with the surrounding landscape while stacked timber walls provide practical space for catering and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tilted thatched roof creates sheltered areas for both catering and social interaction.
02
Peek-a-boo openings allow existing trees to integrate into the design.
03
Stacking method reduces construction complexity and labor needs.
04
Walls utilize locally sourced SPF lumber for sustainability.
05
Orientation aligns buildings with existing site programs to enhance community flow.

Food Grove combines a tilted thatched roof with local architectural influences, creating a unique setting that serves both functional and aesthetic goals. Located in a natural environment that promotes ecological balance, the design provides shelter for catering spaces and queueing areas while ensuring adequate water drainage through the roof's angled form. The approach emphasizes a commitment to preserving the existing flora and fauna, allowing the built structure to connect with its surroundings.

Design Concept

The focus on minimal disturbance is evident in the use of “peek-a-boo” holes in the roof, which maintain the integrity of existing trees. This thoughtful design feature enhances functionality while fostering a connection between the space and nature. The tilted roof contributes to the overall look, creating protected areas for users, promoting social interaction and a sense of community.

Materials and Construction

Walls are constructed using a stacking method, reducing the need for specialized labor and utilizing locally sourced SPF lumber. This choice supports environmental concerns and local economy, making it easier to manage costs. This approach simplifies the building process, allowing for quicker assembly with minimal disruption to the surrounding area, reinforcing respect for natural elements.

Structural Framework

A grid structure supports the roof, following light wood frame principles. This design provides stability while efficiently directing rainwater away from the building. The project incorporates three types of dimensional cuts: 4x4 lumber for the walls, 2x10s for structural elements, and one large sawn timber beam for the roof. Such a streamlined selection of materials aids in construction while reinforcing the project’s straightforward design.

Spatial Organization

The layout has been carefully arranged, aligning buildings with existing programs on the site. This orientation enhances the experience for users, fostering environments for dining and socializing. The extended roof not only protects people waiting in line from rain but also creates informal gathering spaces. This focus on fostering community interaction is a key aspect of the design.

A distinctive feature of the project is its expansive roof, which fulfills practical needs while creating an eye-catching profile against the landscape. The design effectively merges its architectural elements with the natural surroundings, establishing a welcoming environment for visitors.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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