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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Community-Centric Living Spaces

Authors:
Wiktor Przemysław Sawoch, Wiktoria Gocałek
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Community-Centric Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design fosters a community-centric environment, integrating adaptable living spaces with shared amenities in a cold climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, allowing for efficient construction and flexibility.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural light.
04
Includes modular community spaces that facilitate social interaction among residents.
05
Utilizes sustainable materials tailored for cold climate performance.

### Overview

This modern residential complex is situated within a wintery landscape, designed with the intent to establish multifunctional spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Key aspects of the design consider the surrounding urban context, aiming to integrate seamlessly into the environment while promoting an engaging residential community.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

The design emphasizes flexibility in living arrangements, catering to diverse household needs typical of urban settings. A significant focus is placed on creating a community-centric environment, facilitated by the inclusion of outdoor spaces such as playgrounds, sports fields, and communal markets. These features are intended to encourage social interaction and foster a sense of belonging among residents. Moreover, the integration of outdoor play areas and sensory trails further enhances the connection between the built environment and nature.

### Material Selection

Materials are chosen for their contemporary aesthetics and functional characteristics. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while timber—potentially in the form of Glulam—introduces warmth and a natural quality to the architecture. Durable metal facades, made from aluminum or steel, are selected for ease of maintenance and to enhance visual texture. Glass is used extensively in windows and balconies to optimize natural light and views, while brick or ceramic tiles may serve as cladding, contributing to thermal efficiency and aesthetic variety. These material choices reflect a commitment to aligning the project with environmental standards.

### Innovative Features

The architectural design incorporates several unique aspects, notably modular construction methods that facilitate efficient building processes and design flexibility. Community facilities, such as a local market and cultural pavilion, are thoughtfully integrated into the overall design, underscoring the project's role as a social hub. Additionally, strategies for thermal insulation in both the building envelope and urban landscape are employed to address the challenges posed by the cold climate, ensuring the infrastructure is resilient and comfortable for residents.

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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

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