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Charred Cedar Facades Complement Prefabricated Community Housing Modules

Author:
Augusto Valdemar Teran Barreto
Charred Cedar Facades Complement Prefabricated Community Housing Modules

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred cedar facades and prefabricated modules, the design emphasizes sustainability and community interaction, setting a new standard for resilient urban housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes black nanocomposite concrete to enhance thermal performance and durability.
02
Integrates supplementary escape stairways for improved emergency access from outdoor balconies.
03
Features a multifunctional outdoor auditorium designed for community events and gatherings.
04
Employs galvanized steel cables to support balcony structures, combining safety and aesthetic appeal.
05
Incorporates Passive Flowing Water Heaters to utilize solar energy for efficient heating.

**Overview**

Located in Block 86, the Urban Resilience Module addresses the increasing demand for adaptable housing solutions in urban environments, with a strong focus on disaster preparedness and fostering community interaction. The design aims to enhance living conditions through innovative spatial arrangements and an emphasis on social cohesion, providing a framework for resilient urban living as city landscapes continue to evolve.

**Spatial Strategy and User Interaction**

The design features a modular structure utilizing prefabricated components that streamline construction and enhance versatility. The arrangement includes stacked modules with a twisted geometry, which not only provides structural stability but also creates a visually distinctive form. Each residential unit includes spacious balconies that extend living spaces and promote outdoor engagement, while interconnecting bridges offer improved circulation and informal gathering areas. Incorporating supplementary escape stairways for emergency access directly from balconies enhances evacuation protocols, prioritizing safety and accessibility.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The project employs a diverse array of materials to ensure durability and energy efficiency. Core structural elements consist of prefabricated land-bearing components combined with post-tensioned concrete, optimizing strength and resilience. Black nanocomposite concrete contributes to energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact, aided by galvanized steel cables that support balcony frameworks and red cedar lattice that provides visual appeal and privacy. Finally, integration of passive solar heating solutions further supports sustainability efforts, while the overall design promotes energy neutrality and self-sufficiency through innovations such as Carbon-Energy Pavement. The combination of these approaches results in modern, efficient housing that effectively meets the challenges of urban living.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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MICROHOME
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