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 Form a Flexible Urban Dwelling

Author:
Ana Gabriela Maravilla Galdamez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Flexible Urban Dwelling

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with cross-laminated timber, this urban dwelling emphasizes flexibility and sustainability while fostering community interaction through its adaptable design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced longevity and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard to facilitate natural ventilation and communal activities.
04
Includes a modular design allowing for future expansion based on resident needs.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels within the solar canopy for energy self-sufficiency.

## Project Overview

Core Villa is located within an urban grid that emphasizes connectivity and community. Designed as both a residence and a gathering space, the project draws inspiration from traditional Arabic courtyard homes while integrating modern architectural principles. The intent is to create a flexible living environment that promotes social interaction while accommodating the changing needs of its inhabitants.

## Spatial Configuration

The villa's layout features a **Core Module** at its center, which serves as both a communal space and a connection point for family members. This double-height area is covered with a modern **mashrabiya**, offering natural ventilation and daylight while ensuring privacy. Surrounding this central feature are four main modules, arranged to optimize accessibility and social engagement:

1. **Module A**: Two levels covering a total area of 25.8 m².
2. **Module B**: Two floors with an overall area of 18 m².
3. **Core Module**: Encompassing a spacious 55.90 m², facilitating interaction among occupants.
4. **Expandability Zone**: Designed to accommodate future modules based on evolving family needs, enhancing the villa's adaptability.

## Material Choices and Sustainability

Core Villa employs a range of sustainable materials to enhance both aesthetics and structural performance. Key materials include **Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)** for its sustainable properties, **aluminum profiles** for durability, and **vapor barriers** to improve thermal efficiency. The project also incorporates **radiative sky cooling panels** and **photovoltaic solar modules** to support energy independence.

Sustainability is further prioritized through passive strategies such as a solar canopy for energy collection and a rainwater harvesting system integrated into the design. The mashrabiya not only adds cultural relevance but also aids in reducing heat gain and enhancing cross-ventilation, contributing to lower energy consumption.

Overall, Core Villa exemplifies a thoughtful integration of contemporary design with sustainable practices, producing a unique residential solution within an urban context.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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