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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Flexible Community Space

Authors:
Reem k. Makkawi, Matt Turlock, Kevin f. Aviles
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create A Flexible Community Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design offers a flexible living environment that fosters community interaction while maintaining a strong connection to the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing material usage.
04
Includes movable bedroom units for adaptable living configurations within communal areas.
05
Designed to provide unobstructed views of the Northern Lights from communal gathering spaces.

### Project Overview

Located in Iceland, the Alopex project draws inspiration from the Arctic fox and its behaviors, marrying architectural design with the natural landscape. The intent is to foster a sense of community through a cohesive layout that reflects the nurturing and protective attributes of the fox. Integration with the environment is emphasized to enhance experiences related to community interaction, mobility, and the appreciation of the Northern Lights.

### Spatial Strategy and Flexibility

The spatial organization features a central gathering area designed to encourage social interaction among occupants, facilitating the exchange of experiences. Moveable bedrooms provide flexibility in living arrangements, allowing residents to reposition individual units to balance privacy with connection to nature. Communal living and dining spaces are integrated, promoting group experiences while allowing for personal space. Additional amenities, such as saunas and common areas, enhance relaxation and social engagement, inviting residents to unwind in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

### Materiality and Eco-Conscious Design

The materials selected for the Alopex project are both functional and aesthetically aligned with its ecological vision. Lightweight wood framing supports easy assembly and mobility, while double-pane insulated windows contribute to energy efficiency and offer unobstructed views of the Northern Lights. A glass ceiling introduces natural light, creating an immersive environment that connects occupants to the sky. Varied opaque and transparent facades address privacy and openness according to individual needs, while adjustable heated beds and multi-functional spaces promote comfort and adaptability within the living environment.

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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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