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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biomimicry in a Modular Residential Design

Authors:
Alejandro Ricote, Diego Sierra, Miriam Engelmayer, Alejandro Cárdenas
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biomimicry in a Modular Residential Design

Project in-detail

Blending charred wooden shingles with cross-laminated timber panels, this modular residential design redefines sustainable living while fostering a harmonious relationship between indoor spaces and the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to achieve structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a modular design allowing for quick assembly and adaptability on various sites.
04
Integrates a central patio that promotes natural light and encourages social interaction within the home.
05
Employs a bent A-frame structure that optimizes space while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape.
The project "Habitar" represents a contemporary take on residential architecture, focusing on the idea of inhabiting a space that fosters connection and introspection. This architectural design emphasizes the relationship between its inhabitants and the environment, showcasing how thoughtful spaces can enhance daily life. Functionally, "Habitar" serves as a versatile residence accommodating various living activities, including sleeping, working, and socializing, and is fundamentally designed to adapt to the changing needs of its occupants over time.

At the heart of this architectural endeavor is a central patio, which acts as a pivotal gathering place, encouraging interaction while providing visual and physical access to other areas of the home. The layout promotes an organic flow between spaces, allowing for seamless transitions from one activity to another. Each area is distinct yet interconnected, featuring a main bedroom, second bedroom, working and reading area, a resting or interacting space, a kitchen, a service or storage area, and an entrance. This configuration ensures that personal privacy is respected, while also allowing for communal experiences.

One of the most notable aspects of "Habitar" is its modular and transportable design, which sets it apart from traditional architectural approaches. This flexibility allows the structure to be easily assembled on-site, enabling quick adaptation to various environmental contexts. Additionally, the use of a range of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and composite elements, enhances the project's sustainability and visual appeal. Large glass windows flood the interior with natural light and create a strong connection with the outdoor landscape, effectively dissolving the boundaries between inside and outside.

Sustainability is a key theme within this design, as evidenced by the implementation of solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system. These features underline a commitment to ecological responsibility, ensuring the residence operates efficiently while minimizing its environmental footprint. This dual focus on aesthetics and functionality defines "Habitar" as a model for future residential projects that prioritize sustainable living.

The unique design approaches utilized in "Habitar" illustrate an understanding of the psychological and emotional needs of its inhabitants. By incorporating flexible spaces that can evolve alongside the homeowners, the project acknowledges the realities of modern life, where needs may vary significantly over time. The architecture reflects a balance of solitude and sociability, providing both private retreats and communal areas that enhance the human experience.

Exploring the architectural plans and designs of "Habitar" will provide further insight into this project’s thoughtful conception and execution. The architectural sections reveal the meticulous detailing behind the layout, while architectural ideas challenge conventional notions of home and space, promoting a lifestyle that is both adaptive and harmonious with its surroundings. For a comprehensive understanding of the project's impact and its design philosophy, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of "Habitar."
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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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