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Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Panels Redefine Compact Community Living

Author:
Timothy James Tamulonis
Charred Wooden Shingles and Acoustic Panels Redefine Compact Community Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and acoustic panels create a resilient and efficient living environment, designed to foster community interaction within a compact footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while adding aesthetic texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes space and encourages natural light penetration.
04
Interior acoustic panels minimize sound transmission between living areas.
05
Flexible communal spaces foster social interaction and adaptability for diverse activities.
The "Open House" architectural project is designed as a sustainable micro-home that addresses the pressing challenges of affordable housing and community living. At its core, the project exemplifies the principles of compact living by creating a flexible and adaptable space suitable for diverse lifestyles. With an approximate area of sixteen square meters, the design focuses on efficient use of space, promoting both individual comfort and community interactions.

The architectural design includes a range of essential elements that contribute to its functionality. The spatial configuration facilitates a seamless transition between communal and private areas, allowing for social gatherings while maintaining a sense of personal space. Large glass windows enhance natural light penetration and establish visual connectivity with the surrounding environment. Outdoor features, such as canopies, contribute not just to aesthetic appeal but also serve as shaded outdoor gathering spots.

Materiality plays a significant role in the project, with several sustainable materials utilized to promote environmental responsibility. The exterior is clad in wood, providing natural insulation and a harmonious relationship with the landscape. Glass elements optimize daylight and foster transparency, while a wood stove serves as an efficient heating source. The incorporation of renewable energy is highlighted by solar panels, which contribute to the home’s energy needs while reducing its ecological footprint. Additionally, a Kingspan Slimline Tank is installed to facilitate water collection and storage, further enhancing the home’s self-sufficiency.

A unique feature of the "Open House" is its design approach, which transcends traditional micro-home designs. The project prioritizes community engagement through its spatial organization and functional areas. The central communal space is adaptable, serving various roles such as a gathering point for events or casual interactions among residents. This design promotes a sense of belonging and shared experiences, which is often lacking in other micro-living developments.

Another distinctive aspect of the project is its focus on multi-functional furniture solutions. Key interior elements, such as a kitchen island that doubles as a dining and social area, emphasize versatility. The inclusion of a workstation within the living space caters to modern lifestyle demands, allowing residents to balance work and home life effectively. Reconfigurable spaces are guiding elements in the design, ensuring that each area can serve multiple purposes according to the needs of the inhabitants.

The "Open House" project stands out through its thoughtful integration of sustainable practices, community-oriented design, and flexible living solutions. By addressing the need for affordable housing while fostering connections among residents, the project serves as a valuable case study for future architectural endeavors. Readers interested in delving deeper into this architectural design should explore the comprehensive architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs available to understand the full scope of the project and its innovative ideas.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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