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Charred Wood Shingles and Vertical Gardens in Sustainable Micro-Living Spaces

Authors:
Dorina Mericskai-reiser, Adria Flora Kerekes
Charred Wood Shingles and Vertical Gardens in Sustainable Micro-Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles and integrated vertical gardens define a compact living environment designed for urban residents seeking sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens for improved air quality and extended growing space.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural lighting and space efficiency.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
05
Includes shared communal spaces designed to foster resident collaboration and engagement.

### Overview

The Green Pods Community is situated in an urban context characterized by a high demand for affordable housing among students and young professionals. This initiative seeks to optimize the use of available land by reimagining underutilized spaces, such as vacant lots and former industrial areas, into a cohesive micro-community. The intent is to deliver affordable, flexible living arrangements through modular mini-apartments while promoting social interaction and shared amenities.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The community consists of interconnected pods that feature efficient layouts, with each unit approximately 25 square meters. These pods are equipped with essential amenities, including living and dining areas, bathrooms, and vertical gardens, ensuring both comfort and utility. The design emphasizes natural light and air quality by integrating large windows and provisions for cross-ventilation. Roof sections equipped with solar panels underscore the commitment to renewable energy, enhancing the sustainable nature of the development.

### Materials and Environmental Considerations

A thoughtfully curated selection of materials enhances the project's sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Wooden paneling provides warmth and is sourced sustainably, while glass elements facilitate natural light and thermal insulation. The use of recycled materials for structural components and furnishings reinforces the project's environmental ethos. Additionally, crushed stone landscaping integrates natural drainage systems, further supporting ecological integrity. The design encourages communal living and resource sharing through features like rainwater harvesting systems and landscaped gardens, promoting both environmental stewardship and community engagement.

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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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