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Carbonized Wood and Dyed Earth Structures in a Courtyard Setting

Authors:
Felix Beyer, Vanessa Ebert
Carbonized Wood and Dyed Earth Structures in a Courtyard Setting
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Constructed from carbonized wood and dyed earth, the design creates a harmonious courtyard that fosters community interaction while providing unique residential and studio spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with carbonized wood façades that improve durability and aesthetic value.
02
Rammed earth walls provide thermal mass, enhancing indoor climate control.
03
A flexible interior layout supports both communal activities and private use.
04
Natural light is maximized through fully operable façades.
05
Terraces create seamless connections between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

The design features two connected buildings located near a tranquil lake, with a focus on how the structures interact with each other and their environment. The arrangement emphasizes a courtyard layout, allowing the buildings to stand apart while still maintaining a visual connection. This design not only encourages community interaction but also provides private spaces for residents.

Architectural Concept

The inspiration comes from traditional barn architecture, which influences the overall shape and organization of the buildings. The roofs are designed to fit harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, creating a familiar silhouette. This choice helps the structures relate to their context while simplifying construction. It results in spaces that feel both welcoming and relevant to the area.

Spatial Organization

Inside, a grid of columns shapes the layout, dividing the spaces into flexible areas. The design allows for various uses, accommodating both communal activities and private time. Connecting spaces promote movement and interaction, helping users transition smoothly between rooms. Differing ceiling heights add interest to the interiors, making the experience of moving through the buildings engaging.

Material Selection

Careful consideration was given to the materials used in construction. The façades feature carbonized wood, which improves durability and offers a distinct visual presence. Inside, light wood paneling creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, in contrast to the sturdier outer shell. The studio house includes solid walls made of dyed rammed earth, contributing to a comfortable interior environment and robust structure.

Connection to the Outdoors

Both buildings have terraces that enhance the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. These areas invite residents to experience the natural surroundings. Open façades allow plenty of light and fresh air into the interiors, ensuring they remain bright and welcoming. This design detail strengthens the connection with nature, making the living experience both comfortable and inspiring.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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