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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Affordable Urban Living

Authors:
Maria Camila Cano Zapata, Lucas Federico Navarro Arevalo, Krishna Yadav
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Affordable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design exemplifies sustainable urban living while addressing the need for affordable housing in a densely populated environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates both charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features flexible unit designs that adapt to the needs of diverse households.
03
Utilizes recycled concrete to minimize environmental impact during construction.
04
Integrates communal spaces strategically to foster social interaction among residents.
05
Includes large windows for optimal natural light, enhancing energy efficiency and livability.

### Overview

ARCADIA habitat is located in Madrid, Spain, designed as a response to the city's pressing need for affordable housing. Aiming to revitalize the urban landscape, the project seeks to integrate diverse communities through innovative architectural solutions that align with the cultural and historical context of the area. The initiative addresses both environmental concerns and social challenges associated with urbanization by focusing on creating living spaces that foster community engagement and inclusivity.

### Spatial Organization

The architectural layout features a series of interconnected residential units designed for flexibility and adaptability to accommodate various household structures. The modular approach combines communal and private spaces, effectively catering to families, students, and individuals. The design incorporates multiple circulation paths that facilitate ease of movement and encourage social interactions among residents. Additionally, strategically positioned terraces and shared communal areas serve as gathering spots, reinforcing the project's commitment to fostering connections within a diverse community.

### Material Selection

The material choices underscore a commitment to sustainability and resilience. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) serves as the primary structural component, offering strength while encapsulating carbon throughout its lifecycle. Recycled concrete reduces waste and the carbon footprint associated with traditional concrete production. Ample use of glass for windows ensures maximum natural light and energy efficiency, while caloric insulation optimizes energy use within the units. Integration of solar panels contributes to the project's goal of energy self-sufficiency, further aligning with sustainable design principles.

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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
competition now

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