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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Distinctive Residential Oasis

Author:
Julija Dubovik
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Distinctive Residential Oasis

Project in-detail

A distinctive residential structure showcases charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, expertly merging natural materials with passive cooling features to create a comfortable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Utilizes passive cooling techniques through strategically placed wind towers.
05
Integrates landscaped outdoor spaces that harmonize with the building’s form.

### Project Overview

The design is situated within a contemporary urban or semi-urban context, focusing on a harmonious relationship between modern aesthetics and sustainable functionality. The intent is to create a living environment that addresses the physical and emotional needs of its residents through innovative spatial organization and materiality.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout is systematically organized into distinct functional areas, enhancing usability and connection throughout the space.

- **Ground Floor:** An open-plan living area integrates living, dining, and outdoor spaces, facilitated by glass walls that provide expansive views of landscaped gardens. This design encourages familiarity and togetherness. The arrangement of kitchen and service areas is strategic, ensuring operational efficiency without compromising the social flow of the primary living spaces.

- **First Floor:** The upper level accommodates private quarters, including bedrooms and study areas, designed for seclusion while maintaining aesthetic coherence with the larger structure. Well-placed windows maximize natural light, contributing to a tranquil atmosphere.

- **Rooftop Features:** The roof design incorporates unique geometries that not only serve an aesthetic purpose but also facilitate functionalities such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy collection.

### Material Selection

Materiality is integral to shaping the project's identity, reflecting both durability and environmental consideration:

- **Wood:** Sustainably sourced wood contributes warmth and a natural texture, reinforcing the connection to the environment.
- **Concrete:** Used to provide structural integrity, concrete offers a modern contrast to the organic wooden elements.
- **Glass:** The extensive use of glass enhances transparency, allowing an abundance of natural light while framing views of the surrounding landscape.
- **Natural Stone:** Natural stone elements are incorporated in flooring and external cladding, adding durability and tactile quality.

This thoughtful material palette not only supports structural performance but also underscores a commitment to ecological sustainability, fostering a living environment that resonates with its natural 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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