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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in Flexible Family Housing

Author:
Farah Kadoury Abdullaa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in Flexible Family Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this adaptable family housing solution offers a sustainable approach to affordable living while prioritizing flexibility in spatial organization.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to promote rapid construction and flexibility.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and space efficiency.
04
Integrates a rainwater collection system for sustainable water management.
05
Offers modular expansions to adapt to evolving family needs over time.

### Project Overview
Located in the Netherlands, the architectural design addresses the pressing issue of declining birth rates and the challenge of providing affordable housing for young families. The project features a flexible structure that allows individuals to transition from renting to homeownership, promoting stability in their living situations. The adaptable design accommodates varying family needs, thereby prioritizing sustainable housing solutions.

### Adaptability and Space Utilization
The design prioritizes adaptability and efficient use of space. Initially configured as a compact unit for couples, the structure can be extended to accommodate growing families. Cost efficiency is achieved through the use of an innovative wood framework paired with insulated panels, which facilitate easy assembly and disassembly using dry connections. This approach not only reduces costs but also allows for easy modification of living spaces. A thoughtfully organized floor plan delineates public zones for social interaction and private areas for relaxation, incorporating semi-private hallways that create a sense of connectivity among spaces.

### Sustainable Features and Materiality
The project integrates advanced sustainable elements to address the region's increasing rainfall. A rainwater collection system directs water to a storage tank, making it available for use in kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The roof's southern exposure allows for the installation of solar panels, which power an energy-efficient heating system utilizing a heat pump. Material selection emphasizes durability and functionality, incorporating Kingspan LEC Quadro panels for insulation and a robust wood structure that supports future modifications. An integrated filtration garden enhances the project's ecological performance, further aligning with its sustainable design principles.

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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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