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Charred Wood Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enrich Community-Centric Residential Spaces

Author:
Sameera Jamshed Effendi
Charred Wood Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enrich Community-Centric Residential Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and vertical gardens, the design fosters a strong connection to nature while providing a flexible, community-focused residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and reduce maintenance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Vertical gardens integrate greenery, improving air quality and connecting the residence to nature.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and sustainability in material use.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for optimized interior space while maximizing natural light.
05
Innovative water management features efficiently channel runoff and promote ecological landscaping.

## Overview

Located within a context that echoes traditional architectural elements, the design reflects a forward-thinking approach to residential living. Drawing inspiration from cultural practices that value communal spaces, the project emphasizes social interaction while integrating sustainable methodologies. It aims to create a harmonious environment for its inhabitants, emphasizing a connection to nature and community.

### Spatial Organization

The layout is carefully structured across multiple levels to enhance functionality and facilitate social cohesion. The basement serves as a flexible area for living or private quarters, allowing adaptability for various family configurations. The ground floor acts as the central hub, merging living, dining, and kitchen spaces alongside open courtyards that promote airflow and natural light. On the first floor, bedrooms are strategically situated to provide privacy while maintaining sightlines to communal areas, reinforcing connectivity among residents. The roof terrace plays a crucial role in outdoor living, offering a venue for social gatherings and leisure activities.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The project employs a diverse range of materials, each chosen for functional and aesthetic contributions. Concrete establishes structural stability and thermal regulation, while wood is incorporated in mashrabiyas to create a balance of light and traditional appearance. Extensive use of glass enhances natural illumination and visual access to outdoor spaces, improving the overall living experience. Efficient ventilation systems, including latticework and ventilators, strengthen natural cooling capabilities, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Sustainable practices are integral to the design with passive strategies such as wind towers and shaded areas to lessen heat gain. Water management is also prioritized with landscaping that conserves water and efficiently manages runoff. Additionally, communal pathways, referred to as "strip parks," are incorporated to promote active living through outdoor activities, fostering neighborhood engagement and safety.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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