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Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facades Elevate Coastal Living Experience

Author:
Katarina VukanoviĆ
Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facades Elevate Coastal Living Experience

Project in-detail

Constructed using charred wood shingles and expansive glass facades, this coastal residence harmonizes with its environment while providing a spacious living experience that emphasizes outdoor connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural integrity.
03
Features expansive glass facades designed to maximize natural light and ocean views.
04
Includes integrated outdoor terraces that seamlessly connect with the living spaces.
05
Employs wide overhangs to reduce solar heat gain and improve energy efficiency.

### Project Overview
This residential complex is located adjacent to a sandy beach, positioned within a tropical or subtropical climate. The design seeks to establish a strong connection between indoor living spaces and the surrounding natural environment, reflecting modern architectural practices that prioritize both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout is organized across three levels, beginning with a basement that accommodates amenities such as a playroom and parking, intentionally keeping everyday living spaces on the upper levels. The ground floor features an expansive living area, dining spaces, and a kitchen that opens to an outdoor terrace and swimming pool, creating a coherent entertainment environment. Access to outdoor areas promotes an immersive experience with nature. The upper floors are designated for private bedrooms and bathrooms, each unit equipped with balconies that offer unobstructed views of the ocean, enhancing residents’ interaction with their coastal surroundings.

### Materiality
The construction employs a variety of materials suited to the coastal environment, emphasizing durability and integration with nature. Reinforced concrete forms the structural framework, ensuring resilience against coastal conditions. A combination of weather-resistant wood cladding, likely cedar or teak, enriches the façade with warmth. Expansive glass panels facilitate light penetration and provide visual continuity with the exterior landscape. Composite decking enhances outdoor spaces, while stone and porcelain tiles lend durability to water features and patios, ensuring harmony with the environment.

### Key Sustainability Features
The design incorporates large overhangs and shade structures to reduce heat gain, contributing to energy efficiency. Potential solar panel integration further supports sustainability goals. The landscape design promotes biodiversity, creating a micro-ecosystem that enriches the site. Balconies and outdoor spaces on each floor offer private areas for relaxation or social gatherings, aligning with the overarching theme of blending modern living with an appreciation for the coastal setting.

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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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