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Charred Wood Shingles and Insulated Panels Defining Versatile Modular Living in California

Author:
Lord Evan Ceniza
Charred Wood Shingles and Insulated Panels Defining Versatile Modular Living in California

Project in-detail

Employing charred wood shingles and insulated panels, this modular housing solution integrates seamlessly with the California landscape, offering a customizable living experience designed for flexibility and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency.
03
Features a versatile modular design allowing for fluid spatial configurations.
04
Employs insulated panels for superior thermal performance in varying climates.
05
Designed with large glass elements to promote natural light and outdoor connectivity.

### Overview

Set in the Southern California context of the San Bernardino Mountains, the Light Space residential design project reinterprets traditional housing through modular components known as "pods." This approach reflects contemporary housing needs by offering adaptability and flexibility, allowing users to configure their living spaces according to individual lifestyles. Drawing inspiration from Japanese Metabolism principles, the design promotes a connection between interior environments and the surrounding landscape, seeking to enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The project strategically employs a modular layout characterized by separate pods that serve distinct functions, including bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and kitchen/dining areas. This configuration allows for independent engagement with each space, while the use of Pod Connectors facilitates seamless movement between them, akin to traditional home corridors. This organizational strategy not only fosters a sense of individuality within the living units but also encourages collaboration and interactive living experiences among residents.

### Materiality and Construction Efficiency

Light Space prioritizes modern materials to create a lightweight, easily transportable structure. The design incorporates steel for structural integrity and large glass elements to maximize natural light, while insulated panels ensure thermal efficiency. Prefabrication plays a crucial role in enhancing construction efficiency; pods are manufactured off-site and delivered ready for assembly, which significantly reduces on-site labor and construction time. This method aligns with contemporary sustainability goals by minimizing environmental impact and ensuring a more responsible approach to housing development.

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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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