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Wooden Facades Blending with Nature in Seasonal Summer Houses

Authors:
Dragos - andrei Beldiman, Sonia - elena Dumitrescu, Ana - corina Enciu, David Orbocea
Wooden Facades Blending with Nature in Seasonal Summer Houses

Project in-detail

Elevated wooden facades connect the six seasonal houses to their natural surroundings, promoting sustainable tourism while providing comfortable living spaces for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structures minimize ecological impact and enhance views of the landscape.
02
Locally sourced materials reinforce the connection to the surrounding environment.
03
Ventilated air layers improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
04
White facades blend the houses into the natural setting, reducing visual disruption.
05
The layout balances communal gathering spaces with private areas for occupants.

The project located near Tuzla, Romania, consists of six houses designed to promote sustainable tourism and revive an overlooked area. Intended for use during the summer months, the design integrates ecological considerations while striving to stimulate the local economy. The concept balances functionality with a respect for the environment, aiming to minimize the impact on the surrounding landscape.

Design Approach

The houses are raised off the ground, which reduces their impact on the environment. This elevation allows the structures to blend better with the natural terrain. The design encourages connections with nature and takes advantage of views. Openings and terraces provide opportunities for occupants to interact with their surroundings, enhancing the overall experience of the space.

Materials and Facade

Working with local materials is central to the project. The facade features panels that are carefully assembled to form the houses. This use of local resources reinforces a sense of place and identity. Wood is prominently used, adding warmth to the overall design. Additional features, such as a ventilated air layer within the structure, improve thermal insulation. This combination supports energy efficiency and comfort in the dwellings.

Spatial Configuration

The layout of each house is thoughtfully crafted. Each dwelling includes spaces for children's bedrooms, bathrooms, a living area, and a master bedroom. This arrangement caters to the needs of seasonal residents by offering both communal areas for gathering and private spaces for retreat. The design promotes social interaction among residents while also ensuring personal privacy.

Visual Aesthetics

The exterior is painted white, allowing the houses to blend with the landscape. This color choice reduces visual clutter and allows the buildings to harmonize with their surroundings. The way light interacts with the facades creates dynamic patterns throughout the day. This visual element adds to the overall character of the space, enhancing the relationship between the architecture and the environment.

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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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