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Cedar Shake Cladding and Structural Insulated Panels in Compact Urban Living

Authors:
Michael Hoover, Abigail Peters
Cedar Shake Cladding and Structural Insulated Panels in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with cedar shake cladding and structural insulated panels, this compact urban dwelling in Buffalo efficiently addresses housing needs through a modular design that maximizes space and enhances community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes structural insulated panels for efficient energy use.
02
Features cedar shake cladding treated with natural pine tar for durability.
03
Optimizes passive solar gain through strategic window placement.
04
Integrates a continuous radiant concrete floor for thermal comfort.
05
Consolidates utility areas along a northern wall to enhance flexibility.

House B is a modular micro living solution situated on vacant lots in Buffalo, New York. It aims to provide efficient housing in an area that has experienced significant urban vacancy. Located in the East Side, where many lots remain unoccupied, the design focuses on maximizing living space while ensuring comfort for residents. The overall concept is based on a grid layout that creates a square footprint, promoting adaptability and optimizing space.

Architecture Concept
The design of House B features a simple box-like form that reflects the industrial history of the surrounding area. This straightforward design makes the structure a clear presence on its site, fostering a connection to the community. By using a modular approach, the layout allows various living configurations that can adapt to different needs while maintaining a cohesive look.

Materials
House B primarily uses Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs, which are known for their effectiveness in energy use and structural strength. This choice is particularly fitting for Buffalo's climate, providing a quick construction method that enhances the building's performance. The exterior is clad with cedar shakes treated with natural pine tar, contributing both to durability and to a warm, inviting appearance.

Interior Configuration
Inside, the arrangement emphasizes an open and flexible space. Most surfaces are finished with sanded pine plywood, which creates a light and modern feel. Various utility areas, including the kitchen nook, washroom, wardrobe, storage, and bed, are grouped along a northern wall. This design choice allows for a spacious living area where residents can easily interact and use the space comfortably.

Design Details
A continuous radiant concrete floor serves as both a heating element and thermal mass, which helps to keep the interior warm during winter. The incorporation of operable windows and skylights enhances natural ventilation and daylighting, ensuring a pleasant indoor atmosphere. These elements work together to create a functional and welcoming living environment that aligns with the urban setting, contributing to a sense of community and connection.

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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
competition now

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