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Biophilic Design Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles for Modern Urban Living

Authors:
Fabio Kahn, Antonio Kanda, Sergio Rosenboim
Biophilic Design Enhanced by Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles for Modern Urban Living

Project in-detail

Combining cross-laminated timber panels with charred wooden shingles, this modular residential design prioritizes sustainability and community integration within an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units facilitate flexible configurations for various family sizes.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural strength while reducing weight.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water management.
05
Bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and promotes natural light distribution.
The CUBE HOUSE project represents a contemporary response to urban housing needs through modular architecture. With a design aimed at maximizing space efficiency and fostering community integration, the project emphasizes sustainability and adaptability. The modular units are designed to serve diverse user demographics, addressing various living requirements within urban settings.

Modular Architecture and Functionality

The CUBE HOUSE employs a standard module size of 3.3 x 3.4 meters, allowing for flexible configurations. These modules can be combined horizontally and vertically, enabling diverse residential arrangements while maintaining an efficient footprint. Each unit accommodates open-plan living spaces, promoting natural light and airflow, which aligns with modern living preferences. The design allows configurations for different family sizes, ensuring that whether it be single residents, couples, or families, the project accommodates their needs effectively.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets the CUBE HOUSE apart from similar projects is its emphasis on community engagement and environmental sustainability. The unique architectural form includes cubic projections that serve as balconies, ensuring private outdoor space while enhancing the building's visual character. This attention to outdoor space contributes to resident satisfaction and fosters community interaction.

Environmental considerations are integral to the design philosophy. The incorporation of solar panels on rooftops reflects a commitment to renewable energy integration. Additionally, the rainwater harvesting system conserves local water resources, enhancing the project’s ecological footprint. Green roofs contribute further to insulation and biodiversity, forming part of an effective ecosystem within the urban fabric.

Material Selection and Sustainability

In terms of materiality, the CUBE HOUSE employs a thoughtful selection that prioritizes sustainability. The use of wood for structural elements provides a warm, natural aesthetic while ensuring durability. Glass is utilized prominently in the balcony design, allowing for natural light penetration and visual continuity with the outdoor environment. Sustainable panels enhance insulation properties, contributing to occupants' comfort while reducing energy consumption.

By prioritizing these materials and systems, the CUBE HOUSE not only addresses immediate housing demands but also reinforces a commitment to environmental responsibility. The design invites users to live comfortably while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle, showcasing how architecture can solve contemporary societal challenges.

For more information on the CUBE HOUSE project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project's full presentation. Delve deeper into the architectural ideas that shape this innovative approach to urban living.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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