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

Author:
Samuel Nekola
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design promotes sustainable urban living through its innovative integration of natural materials and smart space allocation for communal and residential functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates green roofs to support biodiversity and manage stormwater.
05
Includes flexible communal areas designed to foster social interaction and collaboration.

The architectural project in focus stands as a testament to contemporary design methodologies and reflects a commitment to sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic cohesion. Located in a dynamic urban setting, this project serves multiple functions, catering to residential, commercial, and communal needs. The architecture is characterized by its adaptive use of space, environmentally conscious material selection, and an innovative approach to structural design.

The building is designed to foster community interaction while maintaining individual privacy. The layout is intuitive, emphasizing connectivity with shared spaces that encourage social engagement. Large expanses of glazing provide natural light, while overhangs offer shade and protection from inclement weather. This synergy between indoor and outdoor spaces enhances the user experience and promotes a healthier lifestyle.

Unique to this project is its integration of green roofs and living walls, which not only contribute to biodiversity but also improve air quality and thermal performance. The landscape design is meticulously planned to provide native plant species that require minimal irrigation, showcasing the project’s commitment to ecological sustainability. Moreover, the careful orientation of the building maximizes passive solar gain and minimizes energy consumption.

Innovative construction techniques characterize the structural elements of the project. Employing a combination of reinforced concrete and steel frameworks, the design optimizes structural integrity while allowing for open floor plans. The meticulous detailing of junctions and connections reflects a deep understanding of material properties and stresses. This attention to detail is evident in the careful selection of finishes that complement the overall architectural language.

The color palette is understated, featuring earth tones that harmonize with the surrounding environment. This choice of materials, including sustainably sourced wood, recycled metal, and low-emissivity glass, underscores the architectural intention to blend the building seamlessly into its context. The sensory experience within the space is heightened by the interplay of materials, light, and form.

Architectural plans clearly illustrate the careful organization of spaces, highlighting the functional areas such as communal gathering points, private residential units, and flexible workspaces. The architectural sections further elucidate the spatial dynamics and vertical relationships, showcasing how different levels connect while maintaining differentiated experiences across functions.

Materiality is at the forefront of the project’s design philosophy. The use of durable materials not only ensures longevity but also provides a sense of permanence and stability. Incorporating locally sourced materials minimizes the environmental footprint associated with transportation, aligning with the project's sustainable ethos.

In assessing the distinctive elements of this architectural project, it is evident that the deliberate integration of sustainability principles throughout the design process renders it exemplary in modern architecture. The consideration of user interaction, materiality, and innovative construction techniques provides a comprehensive understanding of its architectural intentions.

For further insights, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and overall architectural designs presented in comprehensive documentation of the project. The array of architectural ideas incorporated here exemplifies a robust dialogue between form and function, deserving of detailed examination.

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

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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

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