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Charred Wood Shingles and Green Wall Systems in Compact Urban Habitat

Authors:
Krisztofer Reinhardt, Lajos Szintai
Charred Wood Shingles and Green Wall Systems in Compact Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and integrated green wall systems, this compact urban habitat redefines efficient living by seamlessly blending sustainable materials with functionality for community-oriented spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space and stability.
04
Integrates green wall systems for improved air quality and biodiversity.
05
Prioritizes multifunctional spaces to accommodate both private and communal living.

## Project Overview

The "SHELTER" design addresses critical housing affordability and functionality challenges within urban environments, particularly pertinent to regions like Hungary. It promotes a comprehensive strategy for creating living spaces that enhance mental well-being while responding to the pressures of modern urban life. By emphasizing a balance between private and communal areas, the project supports both individual retreat and social engagement, integral components of a supportive living environment.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features a compact arrangement of functional zones tailored to maximize efficiency and adaptability. Private rooms ensure individual privacy, fostering mental tranquility, while the communal living room encourages social interaction. The kitchen and dining area serve dual roles, emphasizing utility in shared spaces, and the inclusion of a bathroom provides essential comfort. A bedroom working station enhances productivity without compromising rest, showcasing a flexible approach to everyday living.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Sustainable material choices are at the forefront of the design, emphasizing both environmental responsibility and user comfort. Structural framing and outer cladding predominantly utilize wood, which aids in energy efficiency and promotes warmth. KingSpan paneling offers reusable walls that enhance thermal insulation, while integrated glass elements optimize natural light, reducing the dependency on artificial illumination. The project also incorporates green wall systems that enhance air quality and support local biodiversity alongside the use of recycled materials, minimizing waste throughout the construction process.

Passive design strategies further reinforce sustainability goals by incorporating systems for rainwater and greywater collection and integrating solar energy collection panels, optimizing energy use while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, careful layout considerations improve natural ventilation, supporting indoor comfort without mechanical interventions.

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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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