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Charred Wooden Shingles and Clay Brick Form a Modular Home Emphasizing Community and Flexibility

Authors:
Kile Pearce, Hannah Tan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Clay Brick Form a Modular Home Emphasizing Community and Flexibility

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and durable clay brick, this modular residence emphasizes flexibility and community engagement, adapting seamlessly to the evolving needs of modern family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light while reducing energy consumption.
04
Emphasizes modularity, allowing for future extensions without compromising the initial design.
05
Integrates community-focused spaces that encourage social interaction among residents.
The Stepping Stone House project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to modern residential architecture, focusing on adaptability and community integration. This design is fundamentally rooted in the idea that homes must respond to the evolving needs of their inhabitants, making it a relevant solution for contemporary living. By applying a modular framework, the project allows for incremental growth, reflecting changes in lifestyle and family structure without compromising the integrity of the original design.

This architectural endeavor represents more than just a physical structure; it embodies a philosophy of living that prioritizes flexibility and connection. The home is designed to function as a base that can be expanded upon, accommodating family dynamics that may shift over time. This characteristic is increasingly essential in today's world, where economic and social conditions lead to varying requirements for living spaces. It encourages thoughtful engagement with one’s environment, fostering a sense of belonging.

Examining the layout and spatial organization reveals a well-considered structure that balances private and communal areas. The open-plan living spaces integrate seamlessly with the kitchen and dining areas, promoting interaction and making the home conducive to both daily living and hosting gatherings. The incorporation of large windows and sliding doors enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing residents to experience natural light and the outdoors while remaining in their living spaces. This design choice improves the overall quality of life and presents opportunities for outdoor activities, reinforcing the importance of nature in urban settings.

The material palette of the Stepping Stone House also warrants attention. It utilizes sustainably sourced clay brick, timber, glass, and steel, which together create an aesthetically pleasing and functional ensemble. The clay bricks provide durability and thermal mass, making them an energy-efficient choice for the external walls. Timber, featured prominently in the roofing and internal structures, brings warmth and texture while being lightweight and sustainable. The strategic use of glass not only allows for ample illumination but also enhances the visual connectiveness of the house with its environment. Steel elements integrated within structural components lend robustness to the overall design, solidifying its longevity.

An essential aspect of the Stepping Stone House is its commitment to enhancing community engagement. Its design encourages interaction among neighbors and emphasizes the role homes play in social identity. The thoughtful arrangement within its urban context promotes accessibility to communal spaces and amenities, fostering a neighborhood spirit and interconnectedness. The design does not merely focus on individual living but emphasizes the value of community, making it a holistic solution for modern lifestyle aspirations.

Moreover, the architectural design showcases a clean yet inviting aesthetic. The various elevations present a budget-friendly yet refined approach to residential design. Each façade integrates distinct features, from a welcoming entryway to well-orchestrated overhangs that provide shade and protection from the elements. These design decisions not only enhance the visual appeal but also reflect a meticulous attention to function and comfort.

In exploring this project further, one can delve into the architectural plans and sections to better understand how each element operates in concert to create a harmonious living environment. The architectural designs resonate with contemporary needs, revealing innovative ideas on managing space and promoting a connection with the surroundings.

The Stepping Stone House thus stands out as a meaningful architectural response to the demands of modern living, emphasizing flexibility, sustainability, and community engagement. To truly appreciate the depth of this project, it is recommended to review its architectural presentation in detail, which provides greater insights into its design intent, functional elements, and visual execution. This exploration may inspire new ideas for residential architecture, reflecting the ongoing evolution of home design in urban contexts.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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