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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Community-Driven Off-Grid Microhome

Author:
Grzegorz Oleniecki
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Community-Driven Off-Grid Microhome

Project in-detail

Embedded with charred wooden shingles and constructed of cross-laminated timber, the off-grid microhome offers a sustainable living solution that fosters community engagement while harmonizing with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and ventilation.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to support self-sufficiency.
04
Features integrated birdhouses to promote local biodiversity.
05
Constructed with modular components for efficient assembly in remote locations.

The project under analysis focuses on the design of an off-grid microhome, strategically located at the 63rd parallel north. This architectural endeavor exemplifies a contemporary response to sustainability and resource efficiency, showcasing how design can facilitate a self-sufficient lifestyle in challenging environments. The initiative includes sustainable living spaces aimed at integrating seamlessly with the local ecosystem, promoting ecological stewardship, and enhancing community interconnectivity.

Unique Sustainable Features

The design integrates advanced sustainable strategies that differentiate it from conventional residential projects. Primarily, the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) as the main structural material allows for efficient construction while reducing the environmental impact typically associated with concrete and steel. CLT not only provides structural integrity but also enhances thermal performance, crucial for energy efficiency in colder climates.

Solar panels are implemented strategically on the rooftops to harness solar energy effectively, achieving a net-zero energy goal. An innovative community energy storage system is also included, allowing for the shared management of energy resources among residents. This collaboration fosters a sense of community while ensuring continuous power supply regardless of solar availability.

Community Integration and Biodiversity Support

The project design promotes a communal living model, where microhomes are organized in a manner that encourages interaction among residents. Shared spaces for gardening, beekeeping, and social gatherings enhance community ties and foster cooperative living. An essential aspect of the project is its ecological integration; it incorporates localized species habitats within the microhome architecture. Birdhouses are integrated into the design, providing space for local wildlife while supporting biodiversity.

The architecture of the microhome embodies principles of adaptability and functionality. Operable windows and panels facilitate natural ventilation and passive solar heating, ensuring thermal comfort year-round without reliance on traditional heating systems. The layout prioritizes efficient use of space, with dedicated areas for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation, maximizing the livability of a reduced footprint.

For a deeper exploration of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs. The project serves as an instructive case for modern sustainable architecture, demonstrating how thoughtful design can fulfill practical living needs while respecting ecological boundaries.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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