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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define A Sustainable Urban Living Solution

Authors:
Christopher George Jones, Robert Charles Keen, Alistair Dominic A Pask
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define A Sustainable Urban Living Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates an efficient micro-living environment that addresses urban housing needs while promoting sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance while contributing to aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce carbon footprint and enable rapid construction.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior height and natural light distribution.
04
The micro-living space includes integrated water conservation systems for efficient resource management.
05
Community spaces are embedded within the project to encourage social interaction among residents.
The Microhome project, situated in London at the old Highgate Overground Station on Archway Road, offers a compact and sustainable living solution aimed at addressing the challenges associated with urban housing shortages. This architectural design focuses on maximizing functionality within a minimized footprint, providing an efficient living space for individuals or couples. The overall concept of the Microhome is centered on sustainability, affordability, and community integration, aiming to create a viable alternative to traditional housing models in metropolitan areas.

One of the standout features of the Microhome is its structural use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), which contributes to both the ecological efficiency and aesthetic appeal of the building. This material provides a robust framework while ensuring lower carbon emissions associated with construction. The design incorporates multi-functional spaces that allow for flexibility in daily living, featuring a combined kitchen and living area, optimized storage solutions, and space-saving furniture arrangements. The angled roof design is not only visually striking but also serves a practical purpose by facilitating natural light influx, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Close attention to sustainable practices defines the project’s ethos. The Microhome includes renewable energy technology, such as solar panels and wind turbines, allowing occupants to generate their own energy. Additionally, the integration of heat recovery ventilation systems maximizes energy efficiency by exchanging stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air without losing heat. Water conservation strategies further augment the sustainable framework, with systems designed to collect and manage rainwater, promoting responsible resource usage.

The project distinguishes itself from typical housing solutions through its holistic approach to micro-living. Rather than simply constructing a small home, the Microhome integrates seamlessly into its community. It revitalizes an underutilized urban space, transitioning disused railway land into an opportunity for communal interaction. This focus on community not only enhances social ties but also serves as an educational platform for sustainable practices, positioning the Microhome as a model for future architectural designs aimed at addressing urban living conditions.

Significant details such as the low-energy glazing enhance the building’s thermal performance, while magnesium oxide (MgO) boards provide fire resistance and durability. These material choices reflect a careful consideration of functionality and environmental impact, ensuring the Microhome remains practical for its occupants while minimizing its ecological footprint.

In summary, the Microhome project represents a calculated response to the current demands of urban housing through innovative architecture and strategic design. For a deeper exploration of its architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, interested readers are encouraged to examine the project presentation.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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