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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Flexible Urban Microhomes

Authors:
Amir Hesam Monshi, Meisam Taghizadeh
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Flexible Urban Microhomes

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency, these adaptable microhomes redefine urban living by maximizing space and fostering community engagement in a densely populated setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize spatial dynamics and aesthetic appeal.
04
Includes flexible modular units that can be reconfigured based on residents' needs.
05
Integrates renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and geothermal heating, for sustainability.

## Overview

The Orbital Microhomes initiative is situated in the high-density Bay Street Corridor of downtown Toronto, an area that faces significant housing challenges due to rising costs and limited living space. The project aims to provide innovative solutions for urban living by creating adaptable and efficient residential units that promote community interaction. Through the use of sustainable practices and materials, the design seeks to enhance the quality of life for young professionals in this vibrant urban center.

### Spatial Organization and Community Framework

The design incorporates a strategy of continuous space recycling, allowing for flexible use of communal and private areas. Each microhome is part of a larger system where spaces can be transformed based on individual and collective needs. This modular approach includes expandable configurations that accommodate various household sizes and dynamic amenities, such as shared kitchens and recreational areas. Interactive common spaces are carefully designed to foster engagement among residents, thereby cultivating a sense of community and belonging.

### Sustainable Materiality

Sustainability is a core component of the design, with the structural framework primarily crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), recognized for its low environmental impact and structural efficiency. Large glass windows enhance natural light and provide visual connections to the surroundings. Additional sustainable features include zero VOC finishes, solar panels for renewable energy, rainwater harvesting systems, and geothermal heating. These materials and technologies not only fulfill functional requirements but also align with the overarching ecological goals of the project, emphasizing a commitment to responsible urban development.

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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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