Winning timber shelter harmonises with nature

Benjamin Feng and Thomas Hundarto’s design proposal called Sanctuarium won the second annual House In Forest 2018: Timber House Design Competition, beating entries from all around the world.

The open competition is designed to challenge and explore the fantastic ideas of architectural design, as well as landscape design and site planning. Its aim is to promote the protection of the forest and its environment, as well as focus on urban design problems, while simultaneously raising awareness of sustainability. Entrants were challenged to conceive a new and original concept for a timber house within a forest.

Drawing inspiration from the idea of the basic human need for shelter, their design features four petal-like canopies with transparent membrane that allow light in while keeping weather out. The canopies also function as a water collection device, channelling water towards the core and down into storage below. It also houses a self-sustaining vertical farm.

Utilising timber, one of the world’s most sustainable building materials, the house which has a Glulam Core (laminated timber), has three levels below ground via a spiral staircase.

Intended for short-term visits Sanctuarium offers the fundamental functions and elements of a traditional house, while also challenging the idea of human’s control over nature, by harmonising with it.

The judges included Abigail Randall, principal of Randall Architects; Bill Motley of Chicago-based MWorks Architects and Afroza Ahmed, associate professor at the State University of Bangladesh.

Thomas and Ben’s prize includes $500 and publication of their portfolio.