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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.

## Overview

Located at the 63rd parallel north, this project encompasses the design of an off-grid microhome within a Nordic eco-community framework. The initiative addresses pressing issues such as climate change, urban congestion, and resource depletion, aiming to harmonize ecological principles with modern residential living. The site, characterized by its challenging climate and natural landscape, informs an architectural response that prioritizes sustainability and community interaction.

## Integrated Community and Environmental Strategy

### Community Engagement

The design promotes a communal lifestyle by facilitating collaborative resource management among residents. Shared energy storage solutions, including a community energy battery system capable of storing 1,500 kWh, enhance resilience while enabling the microcommunity to operate independently from traditional utilities. Spaces for communal activities such as beekeeping and gardening are incorporated, fostering relationships among inhabitants and encouraging engagement with local biodiversity.

### Environmental Integration

Considerations for the local ecosystem are key to the project’s design. Structures are strategically positioned to coexist with the surrounding terrain, addressing ecological needs, including habitats for endangered bird species and promoting pollinator-friendly environments. The architectural form includes features such as operable panels and windows that optimize ventilation and daylight, contributing to energy conservation through passive design strategies.

## Material Selection and Performance

### Sustainable Materiality

The project utilizes materials that emphasize sustainability and functionality. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural element, providing excellent insulation and a reduced carbon footprint due to its renewability. Prefabricated concrete foundations ensure stability in rugged terrain, while waterproof insulation enhances thermal efficiency. Solar photovoltaic panels, designed to generate approximately 1,562.69 kWh per year, further support the off-grid strategy.

### Adaptive Design Features

The microhome optimizes space through multifunctional layouts, accommodating essential living areas—bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and storage—while maintaining a responsive design. Each element, from structural components to ecological installations like birdhouses, reflects a commitment to both user comfort and environmental stewardship, ensuring an innovative approach to sustainable housing.

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

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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
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