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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.

### Project Overview

The Open House is a sustainable micro-home initiative designed to address the growing demand for affordable and community-focused housing solutions in urban environments. In response to increasing challenges related to homelessness and the need for practical dwelling options, this project focuses on flexibility, adaptability, and a minimalist footprint, catering to the diverse needs of its residents while ensuring comfort and environmental responsibility.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout of the Open House emphasizes both communal interaction and privacy, with a central space designed for various activities that fosters a sense of community. Features such as external canopies and sliding doors enhance connectivity between public and private areas, allowing for diverse social functions. By positioning the living spaces to encourage social engagement, the design moves beyond mere shelter to create a dynamic living environment conducive to interaction.

### Material Sustainability

The project employs a diverse selection of materials that prioritize sustainability and natural integration. Exterior wood cladding enhances insulation and visual appeal, while extensive glass windows maximize natural light and connect the interiors to the landscape. The inclusion of solar panels and a Kingspan Slimline Tank for water collection reinforces the commitment to energy efficiency and self-sufficiency. Additionally, the use of Troldtekt acoustic panels contributes to a serene living atmosphere, supporting both relaxation and community-oriented activities.

The thoughtfully designed functional areas include a versatile kitchen island, a dedicated workstation, and adaptable living and sleeping spaces, each optimized for multipurpose use. The overall composition reflects a contemporary approach to housing that integrates ecological considerations with a focus on communal living.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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