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Charred Wood Shingles and Solar Panels Shape Sustainable Community Living Spaces

Authors:
Luis Edmundo Rodriguez Robles, Luciano Rodriguez Rodriguez, Pablo Antonio Ramirez Bartolo
Charred Wood Shingles and Solar Panels Shape Sustainable Community Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and strategically placed solar panels, the design creates energy-efficient living spaces that foster community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural efficiency and reduce construction time.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces.
04
Integrated community gardens promote biodiversity and resident engagement.
05
Solar panels are strategically positioned to maximize energy production year-round.

## Project Overview
The architectural design emphasizes the integration of sustainable practices within both residential and public environments, focusing on enhancing community living and promoting energy efficiency. The layout and strategic interventions highlight the role of architecture in improving quality of life, particularly within urban contexts.

## Environmental Responsiveness
The design philosophy, represented by the concept of "Heliotropically Speaking," reflects a sensitivity to environmental conditions, particularly sunlight and natural resources. Objectives include increasing energy efficiency, enhancing safety and accessibility, and improving the quality of private living spaces. Key features include solar panels for renewable energy generation, playgrounds that encourage community interaction, and improvements in accessibility through well-designed pathways and transport options.

## Material Selection
The project utilizes a diverse range of materials that align with contemporary sustainable architecture. Concrete provides structural integrity, while glass enhances natural lighting and offers modern aesthetics. Steel is incorporated for safety and durability without sacrificing design intent. Additional elements, such as mesh curtains, offer privacy and climate responsiveness, and wood is utilized for interior furnishings, reinforcing the commitment to renewable resources. These material choices contribute to both the functionality and aesthetic coherence of the design, reflecting a comprehensive approach to urban living.

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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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