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Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Panels Shape a Sustainable Family Home

Authors:
Pantelis Papadopoulos, Eleni Flouri, Laoura Maria Fotiou, Zacharias Nikolaou
Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Panels Shape a Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and prefabricated composite panels, this residence integrates sustainable materials with a central courtyard to create an inviting family living space that bridges indoor and outdoor environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a fire-resistant exterior while enhancing aesthetic texture.
02
Prefabricated panels offer efficient construction and improved thermal performance.
03
The central courtyard integrates natural light and promotes indoor-outdoor living.
04
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural integrity and unique interior spaces.
05
Mashrabiyya elements create shade and privacy while allowing airflow.

### Overview

House Peplos is located in a cultural context that merges local traditions with contemporary design principles. The project seeks to balance the principles of privacy and openness in residential architecture, incorporating a narrative that respects cultural heritage while adapting to modern lifestyles.

### Spatial Configuration

The design features a central courtyard, which serves as a critical spatial element, enhancing the user's interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. This courtyard functions as both an extension of living areas and a secluded retreat, facilitating natural ventilation and light entry while preserving personal space. The layout distinguishes various zones within the house that cater to private family activities, social gatherings, and quiet retreats, promoting flexibility in usage to accommodate diverse lifestyle preferences.

### Material and Environmental Integration

The architectural approach employs advanced materials designed for both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency. Exterior prefabricated panels contribute to thermal insulation and water management, while large glass openings establish visual connections with the surrounding landscape, optimizing natural light and enhancing thermal performance. The use of a double roof system enhances natural airflow, supporting a sustainable living environment. Traditional elements, such as the mashrabiyya shell, provide shade and ventilation, honoring historical design practices while ensuring contemporary usability.

The emphasis on climate-responsive design is evident in the strategic placement of natural ventilation openings and the integration of green spaces, which support overall well-being. The dynamic interaction of light and shadow created by patterned facades further enriches the interior experience, reflecting a commitment to sophisticated craftsmanship within a modern architectural framework.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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