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Charred Wood Siding and Icynene Insulation in a Modern Appalachian Home

Authors:
Sydney Sinclair, Marla Stephens, Ann Nguyen
Charred Wood Siding and Icynene Insulation in a Modern Appalachian Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood siding and icynene insulation, this contemporary home in the Appalachian region redefines communal living with an expanded porch at its core, fostering connections between residents and their environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The home features a modular design that allows for easy transport and expanded living spaces upon installation.
02
Utilizes an embedded gutter system to capture and purify rainwater for potable use.
03
The porch serves as the central social hub, enhancing community interaction among residents.
04
Constructed on stilts, the design minimizes environmental impact and provides scenic views.
05
Incorporates ecologically friendly materials such as icynene insulation for optimal energy efficiency.

The HollerHaus is a contemporary design located in the Appalachian region, connecting modern living with traditional community values. It redefines the classic porch as the core gathering space of the home, known as the hearth. This concept encourages social interaction and fosters a strong relationship with the natural landscape. The design utilizes a modular approach to create adaptable living spaces that respond to different needs while blending with the surrounding environment.



Design Concept

At the center of the HollerHaus is the porch, which acts as a gathering space for family and friends. This area is designed to promote interaction while ensuring a sense of privacy for the occupants. The layout prioritizes smooth connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing ample light and fresh air into the home. It creates a welcoming atmosphere that strengthens the bond between residents and their community.



Modular Configuration

The HollerHaus consists of two prefabricated modules, each designed to unfold when they arrive on site. This clever mechanism doubles the usable floor area and enhances the flexibility of living spaces. Large glass folding doors integrate the porch with the outdoors, maintaining visual and physical links while enabling residents to adjust their environment according to their needs.



Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is an important aspect of the HollerHaus. The design is self-sufficient, using renewable energy sources like solar panels to meet its power needs. A gutter system captures rainwater and directs it to a filtration tank, making it safe for drinking. This attention to sustainability is further highlighted by the design of the roofs, which are shaped to collect rainwater efficiently and promote responsible use of resources.



Material Choices

Material selection plays a key role in the performance and durability of the HollerHaus. Icynene insulation, created from water and castor oil, is used for its eco-friendly properties and its effectiveness in keeping the indoor climate comfortable. The exterior features shou sugi ban wood siding, an ancient technique that chars wood to protect it from decay and pests.

These thoughtful design elements work together to create a home that blends modern living with the cultural richness of its Appalachian setting, reflecting both functionality and a sense of place.

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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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