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Charred Wooden Screens and Insulated Concrete Create a Sustainable Family Residence

Author:
Milan Vujosevic
Charred Wooden Screens and Insulated Concrete Create a Sustainable Family Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden screens and insulated concrete, the residence achieves a balance of sustainable design and natural aesthetics, providing a functional family living space that embraces its surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced sandstone for enhanced environmental integration.
02
Incorporates passive cooling techniques through strategically positioned lattice screens.
03
Features a central courtyard that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes multi-functional spaces designed for future adaptability.
05
Integrates solar panels and wind turbines for energy self-sufficiency.

### Project Overview
This residential design project is set in an unspecified location, characterized by a contemporary architectural approach that harmonizes traditional and modern design principles. The residence features a ground-level structure with a partial basement, strategically planned to foster a connection between indoor and outdoor environments while prioritizing sustainability through innovative features and energy-efficient systems.

### Spatial Organization
The layout is divided into three distinct zones: private, semi-private, and public. The private area comprises bedrooms and bathrooms, offering personal spaces with direct access to balconies to enhance privacy. In contrast, the semi-private zone includes family-oriented spaces such as the kitchen, dining area, and family room, designed with an open-concept layout to encourage interaction and connectivity. The public zone features entry courtyards and landscaped areas that facilitate guest engagement, ensuring a welcoming transition from the external environment. Multi-functional spaces, such as a driver’s annex, further enhance usability while maintaining family privacy.

### Material Strategy and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and regional resources. Insulated concrete panels provide thermal efficiency, while locally sourced sandstone offers structural integrity and aesthetic continuity. Large glass elements facilitate natural light and promote indoor-outdoor living. Decorative elements are crafted from steel or wood, balancing durability and artistic expression. Passive cooling strategies are integrated through features such as shaded terraces and natural ventilation systems. Renewable energy solutions, including solar panels and proposed wind turbines, are incorporated to achieve a net-zero energy goal and promote self-sufficiency, positioning the residence as an example of responsible and adaptive architectural practice.

### Landscaping
The landscaping design enhances the overall project, featuring outdoor gardens and seating areas that encourage interaction with the natural setting. Native planting choices aim to reduce water consumption while promoting local biodiversity. Pathways and decorative elements are thoughtfully integrated, guiding visitors through the outdoor spaces and contributing to a sense of tranquility.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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