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Charred Wood and Aluminum Structure Emphasizing Cultural Resilience in Inuit Housing

Author:
Alin-cristian Serban
Charred Wood and Aluminum Structure Emphasizing Cultural Resilience in Inuit Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood and aluminum, the residential design integrates sustainable materials with culturally relevant forms, addressing the housing needs of Inuit communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize space and snow load management.
04
Designed with large windows to maximize natural light and connection to the landscape.
05
Emphasizes culturally relevant forms that reflect Inuit heritage and identity.

### Overview
INUA addresses the housing needs of Inuit communities in Nunavut, Canada, emphasizing a blend of contemporary design principles and traditional architectural practices. Aimed at tackling the critical housing crisis faced by these populations, the project integrates essential cultural elements with modern solutions to create safe and sustainable living environments. The term "INUA," which signifies the spiritual essence found in all elements of nature, serves as a guiding theme throughout the design process.

### Spatial Strategy and Cultural Relevance
The spatial organization of INUA promotes both flexibility and community engagement. An open floor plan facilitates interaction among residents while allowing for privacy when needed. The design incorporates dynamic geometry, inspired by natural forms and Inuit symbolism, fostering an emotional connection between the inhabitants and their surroundings. Large windows enhance natural light and connect the interiors with the external environment, crucial in remote locations. Multi-functional spaces are strategically designed to adapt to various activities, maximizing usability and comfort.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to functionality, cultural resonance, and sustainability. Aluminum provides durability against harsh climatic conditions, while Kingston plywood adds warmth to interior spaces. Concrete offers a modern aesthetic and contributes to the structure's resilience. Innovative insulation materials are employed to enhance thermal performance, ensuring the building withstands extreme weather. This thoughtful materiality not only embodies contemporary architectural practices but also resonates with traditional Inuit building methods, reinforcing a sense of identity within the community.

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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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