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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Elements in Modular Family Living

Authors:
Pavlo Babiienko, Susan Linnet Lauterbach Slesarchik
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Elements in Modular Family Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop modular units that seamlessly integrate with biophilic design principles, creating adaptable living spaces for contemporary family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability while reducing material waste.
03
Modular design allows for easy reconfiguration to adapt to family size changes.
04
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the units.
05
Seamless integration of communal outdoor spaces fosters community engagement.

### Overview
"Happy New Yards" is a residential complex situated in an urban context that prioritizes adaptability, sustainability, and a strong connection with nature. The design facilitates living solutions that can evolve with the needs of families while fostering harmony with the surrounding environment. The approach combines modern architectural aesthetics with practical layouts, positioning the complex as suitable for contemporary urban lifestyles.

### Spatial Arrangement
The layout features a central courtyard that integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting a welcoming atmosphere. Central to the design is a swimming pool encircled by vegetation, encouraging outdoor activities and social interactions among residents. Key zones include extensive glass facades in the living areas, which enhance natural light and blur the lines between the indoor and outdoor environments. Bedrooms are designed for tranquility, with private balconies or gardens providing personal retreats. The outdoor areas are equipped for entertaining and relaxation, featuring terraces with outdoor kitchens and shaded lounge spaces.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Materials were selected to promote sustainability and comfort, utilizing concrete for structural durability, ample glass to maximize transparency, and wood to add warmth to the spaces. Natural stone is incorporated in flooring and finishes to reinforce the connection to the landscape. Lightweight steel is used in framing and roofing, contributing to the overall structural integrity. The project also incorporates green technology, including an integrated solar energy system and energy-efficient insulation materials, aimed at reducing the ecological footprint and enhancing the overall sustainability of the complex.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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