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Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Wood Cladding in a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living Space

Author:
Shun Hang James Yau
Charred Wooden Shingles and Composite Wood Cladding in a Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and composite wood cladding, the design fosters a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a functional living environment that respects and integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique aesthetic while enhancing fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural strength and sustainability.
03
Openable facades allow for dynamic use of space and connection to the outdoors.
04
Vertical gardens integrate greenery, improving air quality and visual appeal.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the interior.

## Overview
Mosaic House is situated in Hong Kong, a region characterized by significant population density and underutilized land, which comprises approximately 35% of the area. The design addresses the urgent housing challenges of this densely populated urban space, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between residential living and the natural environment. The project leverages around 740 acres of underused land to create a residence that integrates outdoor and indoor living.

## Spatial Strategy and Functional Zoning
The design employs a concept centered on “edges” and “connection,” redefining traditional residential boundaries. By locating private spaces at the core of the structure, the design promotes interaction with the surrounding landscape, fostering a lifestyle that incorporates outdoor experiences. This innovative layout enables efficient functional divisions, with clearly delineated areas for sleeping, cooking, and working, while maintaining a communal environment suitable for family dynamics. Openable facades further enhance usability, serving multiple functions such as surfaces for drying clothes and extensions for outdoor workspaces.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The materials selected for Mosaic House reflect a commitment to sustainability and durability. Composite wood cladding panels adorn the façade, while concrete pillars form a stable foundation, elevating the structure for improved ventilation. The incorporation of glazing systems maximizes natural light and airflow, enhancing the indoor environment. Renewable energy initiatives, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, underscore the design's focus on resource efficiency, encouraging residents to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Vertical gardens and thoughtfully placed greenery contribute to an inviting aesthetic while promoting ecological integration within the urban context.

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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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