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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Living Solutions

Author:
Robert Grace
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this environmentally sensitive residence seamlessly blends sustainable materials with innovative design to create a self-sufficient living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance durability while promoting fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength and reduce construction time through prefabrication.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while minimizing surface area exposure to the elements.
04
Sustainable rainwater harvesting systems are integrated, ensuring efficient water management for residents.
05
The design fosters biophilic connections, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor environments through large glass facades.
The architectural project at hand comprises two thoughtfully conceived designs, known as the Earth Ladder House and the Moon Ladder House. Together, these residential concepts exemplify a systematic approach to modern architecture, emphasizing sustainability, resilience, and adaptability to both current and futuristic contexts. The Earth Ladder House serves as a practical response to today's housing challenges, marrying form and function in an environmentally conscious manner. This design integrates self-sufficient systems into residential living, addressing pressing issues surrounding climate change and resource management.

Crafted with a keen awareness of its surroundings, the Earth Ladder House utilizes a range of sustainable materials including locally sourced timber and recycled brick. These materials not only bolster the building's structural integrity but also reduce the overall carbon footprint associated with their production and transportation. The inclusion of large glass windows is a deliberate strategy to promote natural light while enhancing thermal efficiency throughout the seasons. Noteworthy is the design’s incorporation of green roofing systems, creating an additional layer of insulation and extending the building's ecosystem by inviting biodiversity.

The functional spaces within the Earth Ladder House are designed for flexibility and comfort, allowing inhabitants to adapt the interiors to meet their evolving needs. The layout prioritizes open spaces that foster interaction and connectivity, whether in family areas or workspaces. Furthermore, the house features innovative systems for water collection and solar energy utilization—elements essential for promoting self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of climate variability.

On the other hand, the Moon Ladder House introduces a conceptual exploration of architecture that pushes boundaries beyond terrestrial limitations. While grounded in similar sustainable practices, this design allows for a visionary look at potential habitats on other celestial bodies. It reflects a future-oriented thought process that invites discourse on the adaptability of architectural practices in varied environments. The Moon Ladder House illustrates how modern technology, including techniques like 3D printing, could evolve within the framework of architecture, creating possibilities for otherworldly living.

Both designs blur the boundaries between their built forms and the natural environment, integrating outdoor landscapes with thoughtful landscaping elements that enhance the overall aesthetic. The Earth Ladder House’s angular rooflines and fluid shapes resonate with natural topographies, inviting seamless interaction with the surrounding ecosystem. The Moon Ladder House further capitalizes on architectural innovation with its futuristic curvature, promoting a dialogue about advanced design principles and technology suitability for life beyond Earth.

Overall, these projects demonstrate a commitment to improving living conditions while simultaneously addressing environmental sustainability and future viability. They embody a holistic view of modern architecture that considers not only current human needs but also speculative futures for habitation. Readers interested in understanding the nuances of this ambitious architecture project are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs in greater depth. Such insights will reveal the full extent of the project’s innovative features and its dedication to meeting the needs of present and future generations.
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MICROHOME
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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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