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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Micro Living Community

Author:
Mark Vella
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Micro Living Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design fosters a sustainable micro living environment that promotes community interaction and environmental responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to maximize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space while providing distinctive aesthetics.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems to support eco-friendly water usage.
05
Promotes community interaction through shared green spaces and communal gathering areas.

### Overview
Ecovillage Oasis is situated within a natural landscape, designed as a sustainable micro home community that embodies principles of environmental sustainability, community-oriented living, and accessibility. The project integrates innovative technologies with practical functionality, creating affordable housing solutions that enhance social interaction among residents.

### Sustainability and Resource Efficiency
This project employs a variety of sustainable practices aimed at minimizing its ecological footprint. Incorporating elements such as photovoltaic panels and green roofs, it harnesses renewable energy and facilitates rainwater collection. The design includes barrier-free pathways and adaptable spaces, ensuring accessibility for all residents, including those with disabilities. Communal areas are strategically placed to foster social engagement, reinforcing the importance of neighborly interaction in a shared living environment.

### Architectural Elements
The layout of the micro homes is optimized for functionality, clearly defining the living zones, kitchen, and bathrooms for enhanced operational flow. Open-plan designs allow flexibility for multiple uses, accommodating dining, relaxation, or work activities. Features such as large windows and skylights enhance natural light and ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling systems.

Materials chosen for both exterior and interior construction reflect a commitment to sustainability. The external cladding utilizes timber and advanced insulation systems, while internal spaces benefit from bamboo flooring and eco-friendly paints. Smart home technologies streamline functionality and energy usage, further enhancing living experiences in the community.

Landscaping is intentionally designed to create a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, featuring paths bordered by native vegetation that enhance ecological value. The micro homes demonstrate modularity and adaptability, allowing for potential future expansions to accommodate changing family or community needs. Recycled and low-embodied carbon materials underscore the project's lifecycle consideration, enhancing its sustainable credentials.

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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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