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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form a Community-Focused, Circulatory Living Space

Authors:
Georges Hakim, Emmanuelle Hakim, Jad Abou Faycal
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form a Community-Focused, Circulatory Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a circular living environment that fosters community engagement while blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Circular design promotes fluid movement and communal interaction.
02
Use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates modular satellite units for flexible living arrangements.
04
Micro-climate zones created for varying environmental comfort.
05
Strategically placed openings maximize natural light and views.

### Overview
The Comet project, located within a landscape renowned for its natural beauty, features a distinctive ring-shaped structure that integrates with the site’s topography. The design aims to enhance user experience while fostering a connection with the surrounding environment, including the striking views characteristic of the region. The proposal encompasses both communal and private spaces, creating a micro-climate that supports varied modes of living.

### Spatial Arrangement
The layout of the Comet project is organized into several courts that serve different functions. The **Private Court** contains personal living spaces such as living rooms, shared kitchens, and individual bedrooms. Adjacent is the **Guest Court**, mirroring the Private Court's layout but tailored for short-term occupants to provide comfort and convenience. Additionally, the **Micro-Climate Court** is designed to facilitate relaxation and social interaction in a controlled environment. The entrance leads directly into the central ring, promoting community access and engagement with both indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
Material selection emphasizes ecological compatibility and visual appeal. Key materials include wood for warmth in structural elements, concrete for lasting durability, glass for maximizing natural light, and steel for resilient support frameworks. This thoughtful choice of materials aligns with sustainable architectural practices. The design’s orientation fosters unique micro-climates, effectively mitigating harsh weather while enhancing sunlight exposure. Surrounding vegetation plays a vital role in promoting biodiversity, and the circular form echoes natural curves, establishing a harmonious relationship with the environment while symbolizing continuity.

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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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