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Translucent Glazing and Charred Shingles Blend Seamlessly Into the Scottish Landscape

Authors:
Evelyn Grace Barter, Xindi Su, Julia Twardzisz
Translucent Glazing and Charred Shingles Blend Seamlessly Into the Scottish Landscape

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glazing harmonize with the natural contours of Loch Ness, creating an inviting space designed for both community engagement and private retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to a reduced environmental footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light while maintaining structural integrity.
04
Strategically placed pathways enhance user movement and interaction with the landscape.
05
Large areas of glazing offer unobstructed views of Loch Ness and its surroundings.

### Project Overview

Located in Loch Ness, Scotland, the architectural design titled "Passage Through the Shadows" emphasizes the relationship between the built environment and its natural context. The project aims to enhance user experience through deliberate interactions with light and shadow, while also considering the local ecological conditions. The design fosters a fluid connection between public and private spaces, guiding users through the structure and encouraging a meaningful engagement with the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of the building is organized around a circular pathway that facilitates movement and interaction across distinct spatial zones. The **public space** functions as a communal hub, offering vistas of Loch Ness while promoting social engagement. In contrast, the **private areas** provide intimacy and seclusion, maintaining the opportunity for occupants to enjoy the lake's scenic views. A **connecting corridor** integrates these diverse functions, maintaining an open atmosphere that enriches the user experience. Variations in topography throughout the site accentuate the spatial hierarchy, creating discernible yet interconnected areas that enhance navigation.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The selection of materials is central to both the aesthetic vision and environmental strategy of the design. **Timber** is used extensively to establish a connection to the surrounding forest, offering warmth and a sustainable approach to construction. **Glass** elements increase transparency, allowing natural light to permeate the interior and framing unobstructed views of the lake. Additionally, the use of **concrete** provides structural integrity and resilience, ensuring stability in the context of potential flooding. This thoughtful combination of materials reflects a commitment to functionality while respecting the ecological nuances of the site.

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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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