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Charred Wood and Green Roofs Enhance Community Connectivity Through Modular Design

Author:
Miguel Cruz
Charred Wood and Green Roofs Enhance Community Connectivity Through Modular Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood finishes and extensive green roofs, the design fosters a harmonious blend of sustainability and community engagement within a multifunctional urban space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Integrates extensive green roofs to support local biodiversity and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior volume and natural light.
04
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and sustainability.
05
Includes community spaces that serve multifunctional roles, fostering social interaction.

## Architectural Design Report: Conceptual Analysis

### Project Overview
Located in a burgeoning urban area, the design incorporates innovative spatial configurations and green spaces, reflecting a commitment to fostering community connectivity and sustainability. The architectural approach aims to create an engaging environment that facilitates interaction while responding to the ecological context.

### Spatial Configuration
The site layout is strategically organized to integrate green areas and pathways, enhancing movement and visibility. Landscaped zones are thoughtfully interspersed with built volumes, promoting outdoor activities and social engagement. Interior spaces are arranged with distinct functional zones, accommodating public areas, educational facilities, and recreational spaces. This hierarchical zoning effectively manages transitions between private and public realms, reinforcing the overall design intention.

### Materiality
A diverse selection of materials was employed, each chosen for its functional and aesthetic contributions:

1. **Concrete**: Serves as the primary structural material, delivering durability and thermal mass while providing an urban aesthetic through exposed finishes.

2. **Glass**: Utilized in facades to maximize transparency and natural light, enhancing the relationship between interior spaces and the outdoors.

3. **Wood**: Incorporated in landscape elements and interior features, adding warmth and tactile qualities that contrast with the dominant concrete surfaces.

4. **Steel**: Used for structural framing and decorative elements, contributing to the design's industrial character while promoting sustainability through recyclable components.

5. **Vegetation**: Green roofs and planting on facades are integral to the design, enriching biodiversity and providing environmental benefits such as urban cooling.

### Unique Features
The project notably emphasizes the integration of nature within its architectural framework. Green terraces and gardens exemplify biophilic design principles that support occupant well-being and environmental responsibility. Additionally, the inclusion of open spaces, plazas, and courtyards fosters dynamic interactions, serving as venues for community gathering and social engagement. The design also integrates passive solar strategies, enhancing energy efficiency and overall sustainability.

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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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