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Alaskan Cedar Frame With Solar Shingles and Green Roof for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Mitsuko Balarezo, Dev Chand, Aljune Drequito
Alaskan Cedar Frame With Solar Shingles and Green Roof for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with Alaskan cedar and equipped with solar shingles and a green roof, the design promotes sustainable living through its adaptable spaces and central courtyard, serving as an environmentally conscious home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with Alaskan cedar for durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Integrates solar shingles on the southern facade for energy efficiency.
03
Features a green moss roof that enhances insulation properties.
04
Includes a central courtyard that supports gardening and vegetation.
05
Designed for multifunctionality with adjustable spaces for living and working.

The Shifting A-Frame project offers a modern take on the traditional A-Frame house, emphasizing adaptability and sustainability. It is designed with a central covered courtyard that separates distinct areas for working, resting, and essential functions like the kitchen and bathroom. This arrangement enhances the home's connection to nature and maximizes the use of space.

Design Layout

The structure maintains the classic A-Frame shape but adds modular elements that allow it to adapt to different settings. The central courtyard serves as a vital feature, bringing natural light and fresh air into the living spaces. This separation of functions not only improves usability but also provides an area for gardening, contributing to the overall ecological goals of the home.

Material Selection

The choice of materials in the project supports its durability and visual appeal. The exterior is framed with Alaskan cedar, offering resistance to various weather conditions while giving the house a warm look. Inside, simple plywood is used for furniture, promoting a minimalist approach that remains functional and comfortable for daily life.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key focus of the design. The southern side is clad with solar shingles which help meet the energy demands for heating and electricity. The northern side features a green moss roof that enhances insulation, showcasing the commitment to sustainability in the project. These elements work together to lower the energy consumption of the home.

Multifunctional Spaces

The interior layout emphasizes versatility with the inclusion of multifunctional furniture. Beds can fold up, allowing the space to shift from sleeping to relaxing areas as needed. Tables can also be stowed away to open up the area for other activities. This thoughtful approach to design caters to modern living requirements, where flexibility is essential.

The project invites interaction with both indoor and outdoor environments, creating a unique experience through shifting views and connections to the natural landscape.

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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
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