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Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Design for Sustainable Community Living

Author:
Meyvin Puspita
Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Design for Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop elevated micro houses designed for community living, providing sustainable shelter solutions that address overcrowding in rural Indigenous areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while maintaining visual appeal.
02
Elevated design mitigates moisture exposure and pest infiltration.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels improve thermal insulation and structural integrity.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems promote water sustainability.
05
Communal spaces foster social interaction among residents.
The Outback Utopia project is an architectural design initiative aimed at addressing the housing deficit affecting Indigenous communities in rural Australia. This project presents a series of micro houses that are both sustainable and adaptable, allowing for the flexible accommodation of families while fostering a sense of community. It responds directly to the social and environmental challenges prevalent in those areas, providing a functional and culturally sensitive approach to modern living in remote locations.

The primary function of the Outback Utopia project is to provide adequate housing solutions that alleviate overcrowding without sacrificing community ties or individual privacy. Each micro house is strategically designed with a combination of private and communal spaces, promoting social interaction while ensuring residents have their own areas of retreat. The architectural layout includes a central gathering space surrounded by individual units, reflecting the importance of relationship and kinship within Indigenous cultures.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the key differentiators of this project is its focus on environmental sustainability. The incorporation of Kingspan Quadcore panels as well as rainwater harvesting systems illustrates an intent to minimize utility expenses and reduce the environmental footprint. The use of locally sourced materials, including brick veneer and insulated panels, not only supports local economies but also ensures the structures can withstand the extreme climatic conditions typical of rural Australia.

The project’s design prioritizes flexibility. Each micro house can be adjusted to accommodate family growth or social needs, acknowledging the communal lifestyle that is integral to Indigenous life. Features such as louvred windows enhance natural ventilation, promoting indoor air quality, which is pivotal given the potential health risks associated with crowded living conditions.

Detailed Insights on Architectural Elements

The architectural design presents several notable components that underpin the functionality and aesthetic coherence of the micro houses. Elevated foundations mitigate moisture exposure while providing practical accessibility. Outdoor decks extend living spaces beyond the confines of the dwelling, offering areas for gathering and leisure.

Additionally, the inclusion of solar panels denotes a commitment to energy independence, emphasizing resilience and sustainability. Each home is designed with a focus on thermal efficiency, utilizing materials that maintain temperature control while minimizing energy usage.

To explore the Outback Utopia project further, interested readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas that shape this housing solution. This project serves as a model for future architectural endeavors within Indigenous contexts.
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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