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Charred Wood Cladding and Steel Framing Elevate Modular Living in Urban Environment

Author:
Leopold Victorin Bourgier
Charred Wood Cladding and Steel Framing Elevate Modular Living in Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood cladding and robust steel framing, this modular living complex redefines urban housing by enhancing community interaction through versatile shared spaces and adaptable residential units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wood cladding for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features adaptable modular units that can easily reconfigure for various residential needs.
04
Incorporates extensive green roof systems to manage stormwater and promote biodiversity.
05
Integrates communal spaces specifically designed to enhance social interactions among residents.

### Overview
Located in an urban context, the project employs a contemporary approach to housing that emphasizes community integration through innovative modular construction. The intent is to create adaptable living spaces that foster social interactions among residents while incorporating sustainable practices. The design addresses the evolving needs of urban dwellers, aiming to transform the relationships within the community by enhancing accessibility to shared public spaces and adaptable housing units.

### Community-Centric Spatial Strategy
A core principle of the design is the promotion of social connectivity among residents. The layout prioritizes communal areas, including marketplaces and recreational zones, which serve as hubs for interaction and collaboration. The dynamic configuration of the building features a mix of projecting and recessed elements in the facades, creating varied visual textures that encourage outdoor living. This design not only enhances natural ventilation but also integrates significant public spaces, allowing for frequent community gatherings and vibrant neighborhood culture.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection plays a vital role in both aesthetics and functionality, focused on sustainability and durability. Key materials include steel columns, which provide structural integrity and flexibility, alongside exposed concrete for robustness and modern appeal. Wood is utilized for framing and interiors, adding warmth and promoting eco-friendliness. Light steel framing contributes to overall energy efficiency, while finishing materials such as glass and metal sheeting reflect a modernist approach and facilitate maintenance. Sustainable construction techniques and the use of eco-friendly materials further align the project with contemporary environmental standards, reinforcing its commitment to responsible urban development.

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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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