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Charred Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Modular Urban Living Solutions

Authors:
Mykola Halimov, Oleksandr Sukhomudrenko, Alexey Semenov
Charred Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Modular Urban Living Solutions

Project in-detail

With an emphasis on charred wooden shingles and integrated green roofs, the design redefines urban living by creating adaptable, modular housing solutions that fulfill the need for affordable and sustainable residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize space and natural light.
04
Integrates green roofs for improved insulation and biodiversity.
05
Includes adaptable modular units that cater to diverse residential needs.

### Project Overview

The Sydney Puzzle Houses project represents a sequential housing design initiative located in Sydney, focused on addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing. By employing a modular design philosophy, the project emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and ecological sensitivity. It aims to provide dynamic residential solutions that are responsive to the diverse urban contexts within the city, fostering sustainable urban living.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

The design utilizes "block section" and "block module" strategies, enabling various configurations tailored to specific locations. Key spatial features include two-level apartments that optimize vertical space usage, garden apartments that integrate with their natural surroundings, and mixed-use spaces incorporating amenities such as food stores and beauty salons to enhance community interaction. Public spaces for recreation and social gatherings further enrich the living experience, promoting a strong sense of community through shared green areas and accessible amenities.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

A deliberate selection of materials is employed to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Concrete provides structural integrity, while glass enhances natural lighting and connectivity with the outdoors. The use of brick contributes to thermal efficiency, and composite materials are integrated within the facade systems for sustainable building practices. Additionally, features such as insulated double-glazed windows promote energy efficiency, and green roofing systems support biodiversity and insulation. Collectively, these material choices reflect a commitment to durability and environmental harmony.

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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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