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Charred Wood Facade and Modular Design Transforming Urban Rooftops into Functional Living Spaces

Authors:
Maryam Kiani Shahvandi, Eleftheria Tsekoura
Charred Wood Facade and Modular Design Transforming Urban Rooftops into Functional Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood for its facade and a modular design approach, this urban dwelling seamlessly transforms rooftop spaces into efficient and sustainable living environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project integrates greywater recycling systems for efficient water management.
02
Larch wood cladding provides natural weather resistance while enhancing aesthetics.
03
Large sliding doors create seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces.
04
A multifunctional roof terrace extends usable living area beyond the internal footprint.
05
Prefabricated modular units allow for rapid assembly on urban rooftops.

### Overview
Located in urban settings where housing shortages are prevalent, the Roofhouse project addresses the need for sustainable living solutions by repurposing underutilized rooftop spaces. This design concept aims to maximize urban density through prefabrication and modularity, creating vibrant living environments that enhance city living while minimizing environmental impact.

### Modular Configuration
The Roofhouse features a modular design consisting of two primary components: one module designated for kitchen and bathroom facilities and another for sleeping and living areas. This arrangement allows for flexibility in space utilization and adaptability to various family sizes and living arrangements. Occupants can configure combinations of these modules, potentially adding a workspace module, to suit their individual needs. An open-plan design ensures fluid movement throughout the living spaces, facilitating an interactive domestic environment.

### Sustainable Practices
Incorporating a range of sustainable technologies, the Roofhouse integrates photovoltaic panels into its roofing system to harness renewable energy. Additional features, such as greywater recycling and composting systems, exemplify a commitment to resource conservation and waste reduction. The selection of materials further underscores sustainability; external elements include larch wood slats, while interior spaces combine treated rubber wood flooring and sheep wool insulation for enhanced thermal performance. This choice of materials not only promotes energy efficiency but also contributes to the overall aesthetic quality of the living environment.

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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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