Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wood Panels and Concrete Integration in Compact Urban Living Solutions

Authors:
Amey Mahakalkar, Sakshi Surawar, Abhishek Mankar
Charred Wood Panels and Concrete Integration in Compact Urban Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood panels and concrete to create a compact living space, this design merges sustainability with urban functionality, offering a thoughtful solution for modern housing needs in a vibrant city context.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wood siding, enhancing durability and providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to optimize structural efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes vertical space, creating a sense of openness within the compact footprint.
04
Natural light is strategically captured through large windows, improving energy efficiency and enhancing interior comfort.
05
An integrated outdoor pergola extends the livable area, promoting interaction with the surrounding environment.
The Microhome project exemplifies a contemporary approach to urban architecture, situated in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. This project presents a thoughtful solution to the challenges of modern living in densely populated environments by creating a compact space that balances functionality and aesthetic appeal. The Microhome serves as a prototype for sustainable living, focusing on the efficient use of limited space while encouraging a harmonious connection between the residents and their environment.

This architectural design maximizes space utilization through innovative organizational strategies. The interior layout features distinct zones dedicated to living, sleeping, dining, and cooking, all designed to be multi-functional. Such an arrangement allows residents to adapt the space according to their needs, ensuring that every square foot serves a purpose. The clever incorporation of a mezzanine for sleeping creates an efficient use of vertical space, enhancing the overall sense of spaciousness without expanding the structural footprint.

The material selection is a fundamental aspect of this project, reflecting both durability and an aesthetic resonance with the surroundings. The primary external walls are made of concrete, a material that provides structural integrity while embodying a minimalist aesthetic. This choice is complemented by timber flooring throughout the interior, which adds warmth and a natural element that contrasts with the starkness of the concrete. Itched glass is employed in partition walls, particularly in wet areas, offering a balance between openness and intimacy while allowing natural light to filter through.

One of the project's most notable features is the integration of outdoor spaces. A pergola extends the living area into the exterior, providing shaded outdoor seating that enhances the living experience. This design choice encourages a lifestyle that embraces nature and promotes social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community. The project effectively integrates nature into the urban context, reflecting a design philosophy that values ecological sustainability.

Lighting plays a crucial role in this architectural endeavor, with careful positioning of windows designed to maximize natural light and ventilation. This consideration not only contributes to energy efficiency but also creates a welcoming atmosphere within the home. The circulation of spaces is intuitively organized, allowing for seamless movement and easy accessibility, enhancing the livability of the Microhome.

The architectural design of the Microhome stands as a testament to the potential of innovative solutions in addressing urban housing needs. Its emphasis on sustainability and community underscores its relevance in today's architectural discourse. By merging practicality with thoughtful aesthetics, the Microhome project is a valuable case study for future architectural undertakings that prioritize efficient living without sacrificing quality.

For those interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of this project, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs will provide further insights into the unique approach adopted in the Microhome project. Engaging with these elements will enrich understanding and appreciation of how thoughtful design can shape not just a dwelling, but a lifestyle.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy