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Charred Wood Facades and 3D-Printed Components in a Coastal Living Space

Authors:
Sejin Kim, Hye ree Ryu
Charred Wood Facades and 3D-Printed Components in a Coastal Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood facades and 3D-printed structural components, this coastal residence merges sustainable practices with modern design to create a harmonious living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D-printed structural components for enhanced precision and efficiency.
02
Incorporates an innovative rainwater harvesting system for sustainable resource management.
03
Features a circular floor plan that optimizes communal and private space interaction.
04
Constructed with charred wooden shingles to improve durability and weather resistance.
05
Includes extensive glass facades to maximize natural light and connect with the landscape.

### Project Overview
Located in a coastal setting, the design focuses on creating a harmonious relationship between personal connectivity and environmental integration. The architectural concept utilizes a circular floor plan that emanates from a central communal area, enhancing visual access to the surrounding landscape. This approach minimizes traditional compartmentalization, instead employing a layout that prioritizes unobstructed views and thoughtful spatial dynamics.

### Spatial Organization
The interior layout is divided into distinct zones for public and private functions. The centrally positioned public area serves as the heart of the residence, fostering social interactions. Surrounding this communal space are private quarters, including bedrooms and bathrooms, which ensure a level of intimacy. The design emphasizes a narrow depth in work-related areas while allowing for wider, unobstructed views in living spaces, facilitating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to relaxation and freedom.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project incorporates innovative materials that enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Key components include 3D-printed structural elements that reduce waste and allow for intricate designs, coupled with solar panels on the roof to harness renewable energy effectively. Additional features include rainwater harvesting systems, efficient hot water heating, and extensive glass facades that maximize natural light. These choices reflect a commitment to ecological responsibility while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere within the residence. The integration of these elements facilitates an interactive and sustainable living experience that aligns with contemporary environmental values.

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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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