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Balancing Natural Light with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Modern Residential Space

Balancing Natural Light with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Shingles in a Modern Residential Space
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Integrating cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, this residence emphasizes natural light and spatial flow, designed to enhance the comfort of modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles, providing a distinct aesthetic and improved weather resistance.
03
Employs a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and create open spaces.
04
Utilizes a small courtyard to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living areas.
05
Strategically oriented to optimize sun exposure throughout the day.

### Overview

Located in an urban context, the project "1.618" explores a design philosophy inspired by the Fibonacci Golden Ratio, aiming to create a harmonious balance between functionality, aesthetics, and sustainable living. The architectural intent focuses on crafting residential spaces that enhance user experience through optimized natural light and thoughtful spatial organization. The alignment of the building with geographical factors further supports contemporary environmental practices, fostering an integration with its surroundings.

### Spatial Configuration

The spatial layout of "1.618" is defined by a rational arrangement that delineates distinct functional zones within the residence. The central living room serves as a communal area, promoting interaction among occupants, while a small courtyard provides a connection to nature, inviting natural light into adjacent spaces. Utility rooms are strategically designed to maintain organization, supporting the primary living functions without detracting from the overall flow. The bedrooms are situated to ensure privacy and tranquility, contributing to a restful environment.

### Material Selection

Material choices for the project contribute significantly to its aesthetic and functional integrity. Predominantly featuring glass, the design emphasizes transparency and openness, allowing ample natural light while framing views of the outdoor landscape. Timber elements may be utilized for flooring and structural features, offering a warm tactile quality that connects with nature. Steel is likely incorporated for structural durability, and concrete may serve as a contemporary element in communal areas. This combination of materials promotes a cohesive environment that integrates the home within its ecological context. The orientation of the building enhances sunlight exposure, maximizing energy efficiency and contributing to indoor comfort.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Re:Form - 
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Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

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Prize Monetary award
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Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
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Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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The Architect’s 
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Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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