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Charred Wood Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Embrace Sustainable Living in a Community-Centric Residence

Author:
Sakoudom Soth
Charred Wood Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Embrace Sustainable Living in a Community-Centric Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles alongside cross-laminated timber, the design prioritizes sustainability while providing a community-focused residence for elderly inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with interlocking cubes to enhance spatial flow and community interaction.
02
Central courtyard promotes outdoor engagement and nature access for residents.
03
Incorporates walkable roofs to expand usable outdoor space and encourage activity.
04
Employs natural insulation materials for improved energy efficiency and comfort.
05
Strategically positioned 10 meters from the main street to reduce noise pollution.

## Overview

The Harkany Elderly House is situated in a tranquil location, specifically designed to cater to the needs of elderly residents. The project emphasizes a balance between comfort and community, addressing the challenges associated with urban living while enhancing the overall quality of life for its inhabitants through thoughtfully curated communal spaces.

### Spatial Organization and Community Engagement

The building's layout is structured to promote interaction among residents while ensuring privacy in living quarters. The ground floor accommodates multifunctional areas, including administrative offices, a clinic, a café, and a laundry facility, facilitating easy access to essential services and community engagement. The first floor features residential units that blend personal space with opportunities for socialization, enhanced by open corridors that connect to shared community areas. The second floor expands this concept with additional living units and accessible outdoor flat roofs, offering scenic views and promoting outdoor activity.

### Sustainability and Material Choices

A commitment to sustainability is evident in the selection of materials and architectural strategies employed throughout the Harkany Elderly House. The use of recyclable components and locally sourced materials reduces the environmental impact associated with construction and maintenance. Natural insulation materials contribute to thermal efficiency, optimizing energy consumption. Large glass windows allow for maximum natural daylighting, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and strengthening the connection to the outdoors. The building incorporates advanced thermal regulation systems and shading solutions, promoting energy efficiency while ensuring comfortable indoor environments.

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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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