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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in an Eco-Friendly Community Solution

Author:
David Robert Beach
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in an Eco-Friendly Community Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a sustainable community living environment that addresses both ecological concerns and social connectivity.
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 sustainable structural support.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Includes a rainwater collection system for effective resource management.
05
Designed with community engagement in mind, allowing local participation in construction.

### Project Overview
Located in the Bagansi region of Oti, Ghana, the Eco-Village project addresses environmental challenges associated with illegal mining and water pollution. The design is predicated on sustainability, aiming to empower the local community while promoting ecological stewardship and providing viable living solutions. The project integrates functionality with an ecological focus, contributing to progressive architectural practice in Africa.

### Spatial Strategy and Modular Design
The Eco-Village employs a thoughtfully organized floor plan that includes essential functional spaces, such as a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, within a compact footprint of 266.75 square feet. This design highlights modularity and adaptability, allowing for efficient use of space conducive to both family living and communal engagement. The architecture also incorporates a "Rejuvenation Process," addressing former environmental degradation through phases of Degradation, Recycling, and Reviving, thereby reinforcing sustainability in the living environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Framework
Materiality is a crucial aspect of the Eco-Village, emphasizing recycled and sustainable resources. Key materials include Gulam frames made from recycled wood, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for structural integrity, and Kingspan Quadcore panels for insulation and energy efficiency. Solar panels and rainwater tanks are integrated to provide renewable energy and manage water resources effectively. This combination of materials contributes to the project's overall sustainability strategy, focused on minimizing environmental impact while enhancing the quality of life for residents through efficient energy and water management systems.

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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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