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Charred Timber and Structural Glass Form a Resilient Habitat Embedded in Rugged Terrain

Authors:
Antonio Iraci, Monica Torrisi, Giuseppe Privitera, Carla Nicolosi, Arianna Illiano, Giuseppe Musmeci, Nicholas Iraci, Elisabetta Fabroni
Charred Timber and Structural Glass Form a Resilient Habitat Embedded in Rugged Terrain

Project in-detail

Combining charred timber and structural glass, the design creates a resilient living environment that seamlessly integrates with its rugged landscape while prioritizing sustainability and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred timber for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a living green roof that promotes biodiversity and natural insulation.
03
Incorporates high-strength structural glass to maximize natural light and views.
04
Adopts a modular design allowing for flexible spatial configurations.
05
Integrates a water management system designed to handle localized precipitation efficiently.

### Overview

Located in a rugged terrain characterized by rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation, the project embodies a thoughtful response to current societal challenges, including pandemics, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainties. The design aims to create a protective yet adaptive environment, allowing inhabitants to engage with nature while remaining insulated from its unpredictability. Utilizing a geometric grid based on the Fibonacci series, the structure promotes spatial flexibility and stability, echoing the inherent qualities of volcanic landscapes.

### Spatial Configuration and User Adaptation

The building features a modular layout composed of distinct sections that can be reconfigured to meet the needs of its occupants. This adaptability facilitates a range of living arrangements, from communal spaces to private settings. Internally, flexible walls and furniture enable various functional scenarios, enhancing the versatility of the internal environment. The strategic placement of openings maximizes natural light and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere that encourages interaction with the surrounding landscape.

### Sustainable Integration and Material Selection

Sustainability is central to the design, with elements such as an efficient water-use system and organic solar technologies minimizing ecological impact. The primary structure is constructed from **KINGSPAN** panels for thermal efficiency, while high-strength structural glass floors enhance transparency and interaction with the natural environment. A living green roof not only integrates the building into its context but also contributes to thermal regulation. Additionally, the use of polished surfaces around the foundation reflects light, blurring the boundaries between the building and its surroundings, thereby enriching the overall user experience.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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