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Charred Wood Exterior and Glass Façade Enhance Compact Urban Living

Author:
Harry Risk
Charred Wood Exterior and Glass Façade Enhance Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a charred wood exterior and expansive glass elements, the design maximizes natural light and offers a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape while providing a compact and functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and environmental sustainability.
03
Features expansive glass elements to optimize natural light and connect with the landscape.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to create dynamic interior spaces and streamlined aesthetics.
05
Designed for efficient rainwater harvesting to promote water conservation practices.
The Meadow Walk Microhome is an architectural project designed to facilitate modern urban living through a consideration of compactness, sustainability, and community integration. This microhome effectively addresses contemporary housing challenges by providing a functional living space that balances aesthetics and utility. The design is configured to coexist harmoniously with its natural surroundings, particularly near the River Cherwell, which enhances the living experience and promotes a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

Minimization and Efficiency in Design

One of the most distinctive features of the Meadow Walk Microhome is its approach to spatial efficiency. The layout prioritizes open-plan living, merging the kitchen, dining, and lounging areas into a single cohesive environment. This design choice not only enhances social interaction but also allows for maximization of natural light through strategically placed large windows and skylights. Vertical space is utilized effectively with built-in storage solutions that reduce clutter and maintain an airy feel.

The exterior showcases a modern aesthetic with a pitched roof that facilitates water drainage while adding a vertical element to the otherwise compact structure. This design choice sets the microhome apart from other similar projects, emphasizing verticality and creating visual interest. The materials used are selected for their durability and low maintenance needs. Metal cladding and concrete form the primary structural elements, providing stability and weather resistance, while large expanses of glass invite light and interaction with the surrounding environment.

Sustainable Architectural Considerations

The project embraces sustainability through the incorporation of eco-friendly technologies and design principles. The orientation of the microhome is tailored to optimize solar gain, which can reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling. Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems may be integrated to further enhance the home’s sustainability profile.

Unique to the Meadow Walk Microhome is its adaptability to the urban landscape. The design not only focuses on the individual dwelling unit but also considers the broader implications of community living. It encourages social engagement through its placement and design, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. This focus on community integration sets it apart from typical microhome designs, positioning it as a model for future residential projects.

Overall, the Meadow Walk Microhome illustrates an advanced understanding of spatial and environmental considerations within architectural design. The unique blend of efficiency, sustainability, and community orientation presents a viable model for contemporary living solutions. For a more in-depth look into the architectural plans, sections, and designs that informed this project, exploring the detailed presentation of the Meadow Walk Microhome is highly encouraged. This analysis offers insights into the innovative architectural ideas that underpin the project, showcasing how thoughtful design can enhance quality of life in urban settings.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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