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Biomimetic Design Featuring Angular Forms and Charred Wooden Shingles for Elevated Living

Author:
Na Shen
Biomimetic Design Featuring Angular Forms and Charred Wooden Shingles for Elevated Living

Project in-detail

With angular forms crafted from charred wooden shingles and extensive glazing, the design integrates seamlessly into its woodland setting, elevating residential living through a focus on sustainability and multifunctionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views.
04
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system for efficient resource management.
05
Employs prefabrication methods to minimize on-site construction waste.

**Overview**
Located in a temperate forested environment, the project focuses on integrating human habitation with natural surroundings. The design prioritizes a minimal footprint and an intimate connection with the landscape, achieving this through sustainable practices and adaptive reuse of materials.

**Spatial Strategy and Design Elements**
The structure features a modular formation that allows it to adapt to various climates and terrains. The design is characterized by distinct triangular roofs, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and practical rainwater drainage. Comprised of three levels, the interior layout supports multifunctionality, combining living areas, kitchens, and sleeping quarters in a way that maximizes space utilization and user comfort. The project incorporates large glass panels to promote natural light and offer expansive views of the landscape, while operable windows facilitate natural ventilation and climate control.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
Timber is the primary structural material, selected for its sustainability and low carbon footprint. High-performance insulation materials enhance thermal efficiency, and metal cladding provides durability and a contemporary appearance. The project is equipped with features such as a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and sanitation, alongside integrated solar panels contributing to energy autonomy. The triangulated forms not only reflect a biomimetic design approach but also provide structural stability and resilience against climatic events, underscoring a commitment to environmental integration.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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