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

Author:
Enrico Fabbri
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Sustainable Urban Living Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels create a sustainable exterior that harmonizes with the urban landscape, supporting a mixed-use hub designed for community interaction and modern living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a fire-resistant and weathered aesthetic, enhancing durability.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction time while ensuring structural integrity.
03
The bent A-frame design offers optimal natural light and ventilation throughout the building.
04
Green roof spaces integrate biodiversity and promote sustainable urban practices.
05
Community-focused areas encourage social interaction and enhance the user experience.

The project under analysis is a contemporary architectural design that seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetic considerations. Set in an urban environment, the structure is designed to accommodate both residential and commercial uses, effectively embodying the principles of mixed-use development. This project utilizes materials that promote sustainability and enhance the overall visual appeal, reflecting a modern approach to urban architecture.

One of the most distinctive features of the design is its emphasis on natural light and open spaces. The layout maximizes daylight penetration through strategically placed windows and skylights. This not only contributes to energy efficiency but also creates a pleasant living and working environment. The exterior façade is characterized by a combination of glass and locally sourced stone, which enhances the building’s connection to its surroundings while providing thermal insulation. The use of these materials is deliberate, showcasing a balance between durability and aesthetic value.

The structure functions as a community hub, integrating retail spaces on the ground level with residential units above. This multifunctionality encourages interaction among residents and visitors, fostering a sense of community within the urban landscape. It showcases a thoughtful approach to urban living, where accessibility and convenience are prioritized. The landscape design complements this by incorporating green spaces, such as rooftop gardens and community parks, which promote biodiversity and serve as recreational areas for residents.

The project stands out due to its innovative design methodologies. It employs passive design principles that reduce energy consumption, including the strategic orientation of the building to harness prevailing winds for natural ventilation. Such approaches are not only economically advantageous but also align with global sustainability goals. The incorporation of rainwater harvesting systems further emphasizes the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

In addition, the building is equipped with smart technology, integrating home automation systems that enhance the usability and security of the residential units. This forward-thinking aspect of the design reflects a growing trend towards smart living environments, tailored to meet the needs of modern inhabitants.

Exploring architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs associated with this project will provide deeper insights into its layout and spatial organization. The unique architectural ideas presented contribute to a contemporary urban narrative that addresses both the practical and aesthetic needs of its users. For a comprehensive understanding of the project, interested readers are encouraged to delve into the provided project presentation, which elucidates further details and design decisions that define this architectural endeavor.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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