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Charred Wood and Reflective Surfaces in Compact Forest Living

Authors:
Catarina Rodrigues, Ana Ferreira, Maria Azevedo
Charred Wood and Reflective Surfaces in Compact Forest Living

Project in-detail

With a unique blend of charred wood and a mirrored facade, the design creates a compact dwelling that harmonizes with its forest surroundings while efficiently facilitating daily living activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wood exterior enhances durability and weather resistance.
02
Mirrored facade reflects surrounding nature, minimizing visual presence.
03
Water collection system routes rainwater efficiently to functional areas.
04
Dynamic openings allow flexibility and adaptability in usage.
05
Strategic layout supports independent living for multiple occupants.

Living On The Wall is designed to blend functionality and sustainability in a microhome setting. This dwelling serves a variety of daily activities while maximizing the use of space. The overall concept revolves around a layout that promotes independence and interaction among inhabitants, allowing them to smoothly transition between living, working, and sleeping areas. A strong connection to the surrounding natural environment is also emphasized throughout the design.

Spatial Configuration

The arrangement of spaces is centered on a long wall where essential functions are integrated. This design creates an engaging interplay between filled and open areas. Light and shadow shift as doors within the wall open and close, allowing for flexibility based on the occupants' needs. This dynamic interaction enhances the living experience, making the dwelling responsive to daily activities.

Water Management

Water-related functions are placed at one end of the home, strategically designed to take advantage of rainwater collected from the roof. This thoughtful layout not only optimizes resource use but also encourages a sustainable lifestyle. The proximity of cooking spaces to living and sleeping areas fosters a friendly atmosphere, allowing various daily tasks to harmonize with one another.

Material Choices

Wood is the primary material used in the structure, adding both strength and a warm aesthetic. The choice of wood stems from its comfort and availability in the local area, supporting environmentally friendly practices focused on renewable resources. To enhance durability, the exterior wood is charred, which helps protect it from weather conditions and fungi, ensuring that it maintains its inviting appearance over time.

Reflections of Nature

The opposite facade features mirrors that reflect the surrounding landscape. This design choice minimizes the visual impact of the home, allowing it to blend into the wooded environment. By reducing its prominence, the reflective surface fosters a connection to nature for the inhabitants. The thoughtful integration of these design elements highlights a commitment to blending modern living with ecological consideration.

The combination of these features illustrates a careful balance between practicality and environmental awareness. Living On The Wall stands as a testament to how thoughtful architecture can enhance daily life while respecting the natural world.

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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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