Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Daria Ershova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the residence incorporates communal spaces and private retreats to create a harmonious living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the facade enhances fire resistance and aesthetics.
02
The central atrium is designed to maximize daylight and natural ventilation throughout the home.
03
Terraces are integrated at multiple levels, promoting outdoor living and community interaction.
04
A guest house connects to the main residence via landscaped pathways, fostering social connectivity.
05
Workshop spaces are included for communal horticultural activities, supporting sustainable practices.

The architecture of the "House in House" project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of living spaces with the surrounding environment. This residential design emphasizes a balance between natural elements and functional spaces. Designed to facilitate both communal interactions and personal retreats, the project reflects a comprehensive understanding of contemporary residential needs.

The core function of the project is to provide a versatile living environment that accommodates both privacy and community engagement. This duality is achieved through a well-considered layout that features interconnected spaces, fostering interaction among residents while maintaining individual comfort in private quarters. The incorporation of both indoor and outdoor areas enhances the residents' experience, allowing for a seamless transition between nature and shelter.

The architectural design presents several notable features. A central atrium serves as the heart of the home, providing natural light and ventilation throughout the living areas. Surrounding this atrium, private spaces are organized to ensure tranquility while allowing visual connectivity to the exterior. The roof design is particularly distinctive, characterized by its asymmetrical slope that effectively directs rainwater and maximizes interior daylight.

An important aspect is the integration of terraces that encourage outdoor living. These spaces are strategically placed to promote relaxation and socialization, reinforcing the project's communal ethos. In addition, the use of natural materials such as wood and stone creates a tactile quality that aligns with environmental sensibilities, supporting sustainable living practices.

One unique aspect of the design is the connection between the main house and an auxiliary guest house. This design approach facilitates group activities and shared experiences while offering flexibility for private stays. The inclusion of pathways and bridges further enhances the experience of movement throughout the site, emphasizing the relationship between different areas of the project and inviting exploration.

The project also features gardens and workshops, specifically oriented towards communal horticultural activities, which highlight the integration of lifestyle and nature. These spaces not only serve practical functions but also support the residents' engagement with their surroundings.

For more detailed insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. By reviewing these elements, one can gain a deeper understanding of the innovative architectural ideas that define the "House in House."

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy