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A Residence Composed of Interlocking Timber Volumes

Author:
Silviu Virgil Aldea
A Residence Composed of Interlocking Timber Volumes

Project in-detail

Located in a temperate climate zone, the residence explores a modern approach to family living through a series of interlocking volumes. The design emphasizes a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, supporting adaptable living patterns while responding to environmental considerations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with sustainable cross-laminated timber, enhancing structural efficiency.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide an innovative approach to weather resistance and aesthetics.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light while creating unique interior spaces.
04
Flexible interior layouts allow customization to accommodate changing family needs.
05
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system, promoting efficient resource management.

Set in a temperate climate, the Wooden Block House is designed to establish a close relationship between domestic life and the surrounding landscape. Composed of interlocking rectangular volumes, the structure reinterprets traditional residential forms to accommodate the needs of a young family. The overall intent is to balance everyday livability with openness to outdoor engagement, creating a residential environment that supports both communal and individual routines.

Spatial composition and user interaction
The arrangement of stacked and shifted blocks introduces a sense of spatial play while supporting functional clarity. Each indoor zone is paired with an adjacent outdoor space, encouraging movement between interior and exterior areas throughout the day. The interior layout is designed for adaptability, allowing rooms to evolve with changing family needs. Large-format windows enhance daylight access and provide continuous visual connections to the landscape, contributing to a heightened sense of spatial depth and comfort.

Material strategy and environmental performance
The structure utilizes Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for its renewable properties and efficient construction performance. Metal roof panels offer long-term durability and facilitate effective rainwater collection, which is integrated into a harvesting system for reuse. Photovoltaic panels support on-site energy generation, while insulated glazing and natural ventilation strategies contribute to passive climate control. Together, these elements reinforce the project’s emphasis on sustainable design and long-term resource efficiency.

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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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