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Charred Wood Shingles and Open-Plan Living in a Sustainable Family Residence

Authors:
Urosh Nikoloski, Tamara Stefanoska
Charred Wood Shingles and Open-Plan Living in a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal, this sustainable family residence seamlessly integrates open-plan living with a central courtyard, fostering a harmonious connection to the surrounding natural environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and fire protection.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, enhancing structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
Features a central courtyard designed for natural ventilation and light penetration.
04
Emphasizes a bent A-frame design to create dynamic interior spaces and views.
05
Integrates native landscaping to minimize irrigation and promote local biodiversity.

### Overview

Located in a contemporary urban context, this residential design emphasizes sustainability and integration with its environment. The primary intention is to create a living space that balances luxury and practicality, providing residents with areas for communal engagement as well as private retreats. The design achieves a harmonious relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, prioritizing natural light and ventilation throughout the home. A central courtyard serves as an outdoor sanctuary, facilitating interaction with nature while offering a tranquil respite from the urban setting.

### Spatial Dynamics

The design reflects an understanding of spatial organization, merging open-plan living areas with more intimate spaces. Fluid transitions between environments encourage movement and interaction, creating opportunities for family engagement while ensuring areas for solitude. The central courtyard is pivotal to this layout, functioning as a visual and experiential focal point that enhances livability. The thoughtfully arranged spaces facilitate flexible use, accommodating various activities within shared and private environments alike.

### Material Considerations

The project's material palette is carefully selected to prioritize sustainability and aesthetic harmony. Structural elements and finishes feature durable concrete, while expansive glass panels optimize natural light and outdoor visibility. Warm wood tones enhance interior spaces, contrasting with the cooler concrete, and natural stone integrates landscaping features with the architecture. Additionally, eco-friendly textiles contribute to the comfort and appeal of the interiors. The inclusion of rock mulch as a sustainable ground cover supports local flora and reduces maintenance requirements, further emphasizing the project's commitment to environmental stewardship.

### Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a central theme in the design, with the incorporation of locally sourced materials that minimize the carbon impact of construction. Energy-efficient glazing and insulation techniques enhance the home's thermal performance while maintaining interior comfort. The implementation of advanced energy management systems, including solar panels and rainwater harvesting, enables eco-conscious living without compromising aesthetic values. This thorough approach to sustainability not only addresses environmental concerns but also enriches the quality of life within the residence.

### Distinctive Features

Unique elements of the design include adaptable open spaces that cater to diverse activities, from family gatherings to quiet reflection. Strategic placement of doors and windows fosters a continuous connection to nature, enhancing both light and privacy for occupants. The landscape is intentionally designed with desert-inspired gardens featuring native plants that require minimal water, promoting local biodiversity. Each private space within the residence is tailored to reflect individual preferences while contributing to a cohesive overall aesthetic, ensuring that the home caters to the varied needs of its inhabitants.

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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
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