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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in Flexible Community Living

Authors:
Rutuja Atre, Fahmida Ahmed
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in Flexible Community Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design offers customizable living spaces that promote sustainable community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates self-assembly construction methods for homeowner participation.
02
Features greenhouse modules integrated into the main design for food production.
03
Uses heavy timber for enhanced thermal efficiency and structural integrity.
04
Includes rainwater collection systems to support sustainable irrigation practices.
05
Offers customizable wall panel configurations to adapt to diverse living needs.

The Modular Living project is a contemporary architectural initiative focused on sustainable housing solutions through modular design principles. Set within various locations across Canada, including urban centers and rural areas, the project aims to provide flexible, adaptable living spaces that cater to individual lifestyles and community dynamics. The architecture emphasizes efficiency, materiality, and ecological considerations while allowing homeowners to customize their dwellings according to personal needs.

Modular Living encapsulates the design philosophy of compact living without sacrificing personal space. The project consists of individual modules that can be adapted or combined, offering diverse configurations suited for different demographics. Each module serves specific functions, such as living, sleeping, working, and storage. The design facilitates the integration of renewable energy solutions and promotes a communal approach to living, contributing to sustainable neighborhoods.

Sustainability is at the core of the Modular Living project, highlighted by its choice of materials and construction techniques.

Unique Customization Options
The adaptability of Modular Living sets it apart in the architectural landscape. Homeowners can select from a variety of configurations tailored to their specific needs. The modular units support various room layouts, providing options for singles, couples, or families. This flexibility is enhanced by the use of modular wall panels, which allow for easy reconfiguration of internal spaces. The option for self-assembly encourages engagement in the construction process, making the project more accessible and personal.

The design incorporates features such as solar panels for energy generation, rainwater collection systems for irrigation, and greenhouse modules to encourage food production. By integrating these sustainable solutions, the project reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and aims to foster self-sufficiency among residents.

Integrated Functionality and Aesthetics
A significant aspect of the Modular Living project is its focus on creating environments that facilitate natural light and airflow. Generous window placements and strategic roof designs incorporate skylights, enhancing the overall ambiance within the living spaces. The architectural configuration supports a direct connection to outdoor areas, promoting outdoor living and community engagement.

The project also emphasizes the use of locally sourced and environmentally friendly materials, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices. With heavy timber as a primary structural component, the design not only enhances durability but also contributes to energy efficiency due to its thermal properties. The incorporation of outdoor growing areas and community spaces reflects the increasing importance of communal interactions in residential design.

The Modular Living project illustrates a thoughtful blend of architecture and sustainability, providing adaptable housing solutions that respond to modern lifestyle demands. For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural concepts, designs, and innovations, readers are encouraged to explore detailed architectural plans and sections available for the project. This exploration will provide deeper insights into how the design addresses contemporary architectural challenges while fostering sustainability and personalization.

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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

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