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Charred Wood Panels and Bamboo Flooring in a Compact Sustainable Home

Authors:
David Davoodians, Noura Toubrakji, Syuzanna Avagyan, Shushanik Ovakimian
Charred Wood Panels and Bamboo Flooring in a Compact Sustainable Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood panels and bamboo flooring, this compact dwelling exemplifies sustainable living through efficient space design and innovative material use, catering to the needs of modern occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Shou Sugi Ban technique for charred wood, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
Features a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
03
Incorporates large glass panels to blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors.
04
Employs bamboo for flooring and structural elements, emphasizing eco-friendliness.
05
Designed with a flexible open-plan layout to maximize functionality in a compact space.

## The Wa House: Architectural Design Project Overview

Located in a context that prioritizes sustainable living, the Wa House is designed to embody the Japanese concept of "Wa," which translates to harmony. The project integrates traditional architectural aesthetics with contemporary design approaches, aiming to promote a lifestyle that values environmental stewardship and mindfulness. With a compact form occupying just 25 square meters, the design emphasizes thoughtful spatial organization and material selection, illustrating how modern residential architecture can effectively merge functionality and sustainability.

### Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout of the Wa House maximizes utility while maintaining a serene atmosphere, showcasing a minimal footprint paired with multifunctional spaces. Specific zones for living, cooking, and resting are carefully defined to ensure an organized habitat without sacrificing comfort. Adjustable Shou panels facilitate natural ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality while reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The design further extends the living area beyond conventional limits by incorporating an integrative landscape that features elements such as Japanese water gardens, seamlessly connecting the interior with the external environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The materials employed in the Wa House prioritize sustainability and durability, contributing to both the ecological footprint and the quality of living. Kingspan Insulated Panels serve as key components for energy efficiency, while bamboo, known for its resilience and eco-friendliness, is used throughout the interior. The project also incorporates recycled content tiles and engineered bamboo flooring that reflect a commitment to responsible sourcing. Additional sustainability initiatives include a rainwater harvesting system for irrigation and potable use, as well as an on-site solar panel installation that supports the home’s energy requirements. Together, these strategies address contemporary challenges in environmental design and resource management.

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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
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