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Charred Wooden Screens and Modular Units in Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Francesco Ricchiuti, Valentina Margiotta
Charred Wooden Screens and Modular Units in Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden screens and modular living units, this sustainable design merges innovative construction methods with community-focused spaces to create a functional residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden screens provide enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
The design incorporates flexible modular units for adaptable living.
03
Natural ventilation strategies are facilitated by a saw-tooth roof structure.
04
Rooftop gardens contribute to urban biodiversity and insulation.
05
Community spaces are integrated to foster social interaction among residents.

## Project Overview

The Wind Green-House is situated in a context that demands a modern yet sustainable approach to residential architecture. The design intends to explore the balance between comfort and functionality while promoting a harmonious relationship with its surroundings. This project aims to redefine the concept of home by focusing on the integration of environmental conditions and user needs within the living space.

### Design Methodology

The design is founded on a strategic framework comprising Analysis, Segmentation, Decomposition, and Arrangement. Through analysis, the connection between housing units and natural elements, particularly with respect to wind patterns and sunlight, is prioritized. Segmentation allows for modular designs that cater to diverse family dynamics and lifestyles. Decomposition further examines each component’s role in the overall structure, leading to the inclusion of a saw-tooth roof that enhances natural ventilation. The arrangement of residential units fosters community interactions, clearly delineating shared and private spaces.

### Spatial and Material Considerations

The architectural layout features multi-level residential units that optimize spatial utility, respecting the site's horizontal boundaries. The ground floor accommodates communal areas, while the upper levels provide private living quarters, each enhanced by balconies and green terraces that serve as personal outdoor spaces.

Materials selected for this project underscore its commitment to sustainability. The structure employs concrete for foundational elements, while large glass windows facilitate natural lighting and expansive views. Wood accents contribute warmth to the interiors, and aluminum screens offer shading and promote thermal comfort. Photovoltaic panels on rooftops maximize energy efficiency by harnessing solar power for residential needs, supplementing the commitment to smart energy utilization. The thoughtful integration of greenery, through rooftop gardens and vertical plantings, not only enhances visual appeal but also fosters ecological balance within an urban landscape.

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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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