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Charred Wood Accents and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Communal Living Space

Author:
Maciej Zukowski
Charred Wood Accents and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Communal Living Space

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wood accents and cross-laminated timber, the design merges sustainability with flexibility to create an adaptable communal living space that promotes social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using locally sourced cross-laminated timber, minimizing transport emissions.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space while maintaining structural integrity.
04
Includes communal gardens designed to promote biodiversity and resident interaction.
05
Utilizes recycled materials from previous buildings to reduce environmental impact.

## Project Overview

The design is set within a landscape impacted by previous disturbances, emphasizing the importance of resilience and environmental integration. It focuses on modern sustainable living and adaptive construction, utilizing local materials and advanced building techniques to achieve eco-friendly objectives. The intent is to create a harmonious community living environment that addresses contemporary challenges relating to climate, resource efficiency, and societal dynamics.

### Design Philosophy

The design prioritizes a balanced relationship between human occupancy and ecological sustainability. Key aspects of the approach include:

- **Adaptability**: The structures are designed for modification or expansion to align with the evolving needs of residents, thereby fostering a flexible living environment.
- **Sustainability**: The selection of materials and construction practices aims to minimize the ecological footprint, emphasizing the efficient use of local resources.
- **Community Focus**: Spaces facilitate interaction and engagement among residents, reinforcing social connections and a sense of community.

### Material Selection and Structural Components

A variety of materials are employed to enhance both sustainability and aesthetic appeal:

- **Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)**: Serves as the primary structural element, providing strength and sustainability through local sourcing and modular design for ease of assembly.
- **Koatherm Board**: Used for insulation, contributing to thermal efficiency and improved energy performance.
- **Recycled Materials**: Incorporation of reclaimed elements supports a low-impact construction ethos.
- **Aluminum Coating**: Applied to exterior finishes for durability and recyclability.
- **Photovoltaic Panels**: Integrated for solar energy generation, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.

The design features a robust foundation equipped with moisture control mechanisms to enhance sustainability. The outer shell integrates innovative solutions to optimize natural light while maintaining thermal integrity. Interior spaces are characterized by adaptable layouts allowing reconfiguration according to occupants’ preferences, with natural finishes that connect indoors with the surrounding environment. Advanced heat recovery ventilation systems ensure high indoor air quality while minimizing energy consumption.

This project exemplifies community integration and a commitment to eco-conscious design, demonstrating a holistic approach to living that prioritizes both environmental stewardship and the well-being of residents.

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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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