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Charred Wooden Facade and Elevated Design in a Sustainable Microhome Embracing Remote Living

Authors:
Niclas Erik Didrik Haag, Gustav Sven Johan Vikberg, Per Arvid Ekdahl
Charred Wooden Facade and Elevated Design in a Sustainable Microhome Embracing Remote Living

Project in-detail

Elevated on concrete pillars and clad in a charred wooden facade, this sustainable microhome integrates solar energy solutions while offering a flexible living space designed for remote habitation in the Scandinavian wilderness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes the Yakisugi technique for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features a flexible modular design that supports community connectivity.
03
Incorporates solar panels seamlessly into the charred wooden facade.
04
Elevated design protects the structure from snow accumulation and wildlife.
05
Open-plan layout maximizes space while promoting natural light and outdoor views.

## Overview

LÅDA is a microhome situated in the rugged terrain of the Scandinavian mountains, designed to address the unique challenges of remote living. The project aims to provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing habitat while promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in an isolated environment. Its context emphasizes a connection to nature, offering occupants a harmonious living experience amid harsh winters and limited resources.

## Modularity and Adaptive Use

LÅDA employs a modular design approach, allowing units to be stacked and configured to form a micro-village. This flexibility enables each space to adapt to varying user requirements, whether serving as residential areas or workspaces. The design accommodates contemporary remote work trends while preserving essential connections to modern amenities.

## Sustainable Materiality and Environmental Integration

The construction emphasizes locally sourced materials, notably pinewood, which is treated using the Yakisugi technique to enhance durability against weather conditions. The foundation utilizes concrete for stability, while strategically placed glass in the façade maximizes natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, the roof incorporates innovative systems for capturing snow and rainwater, contributing to the home's sustainability and reducing reliance on external resources.

The exterior features include a minimalistic cube elevated on concrete pillars, safeguarding the ecosystem beneath from disruption. Louvered blinds crafted from pinewood provide both privacy and climate control, while an accessible staircase integrates seamlessly with the overall design language. Inside, the open-plan layout promotes interaction, with functional spaces that prioritize efficiency and adaptability, enhancing the overall user experience.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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