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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Open Spaces in Contemporary Residential Design

Author:
Mhd Marwan Shrabaty
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Open Spaces in Contemporary Residential Design

Project in-detail

Emphasizing the use of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates a harmonious connection between the interior living spaces and nature, ultimately serving as a contemporary residence that promotes community interaction and personal retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide weather resistance and a textured aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while maintaining sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes space and facilitates natural ventilation.
04
Large glass expanses offer unobstructed views and maximize natural light.
05
Native landscaping integrates with the architecture, promoting local biodiversity.

The project encompasses a contemporary residential development designed to enhance the living experience through modern architectural principles. Situated in a region that values both tradition and innovation, this architectural design focuses on functional spaces that promote community interaction while also offering individual privacy. The structure utilizes a combination of materials to create a cohesive aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

The primary function of the project is to provide comfortable living spaces while addressing the needs of its residents. The architectural layout is characterized by open floor plans that facilitate interaction among family members and guests, emphasizing the importance of communal areas without compromising the privacy of individual rooms. The design emphasizes the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, particularly through the use of large windows and easy access to outdoor areas.

Unique Materiality and Design Approaches

What sets this project apart from typical residential designs is its thoughtful application of materials and emphasis on sustainable practices. The use of concrete for structural elements ensures durability, while wooden panels introduce warmth and a connection to local craftsmanship. The selection of glass enhances natural lighting and visual connections to the surrounding landscape, promoting a sense of openness.

In addition, the project incorporates features such as operable windows and skylights to improve ventilation and utilize natural light efficiently. This strategy reduces reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals. Further, the inclusion of native landscaping supports local biodiversity and minimizes maintenance.

Spatial Organization and Flexibility

The architectural design reflects a high degree of flexibility tailored to meet the evolving needs of residents. The ground floor is arranged to facilitate family interactions with spacious living and dining areas adjacent to the kitchen. This arrangement encourages collaboration while maintaining accessibility to outdoor spaces. The upper levels are designed with private bedrooms and terraces, providing opportunities for solitude without isolating residents from shared environments.

The consideration of future adaptability is evident in the planning of expandable areas, allowing residents to modify their living arrangements as family structures change. This foresight makes the project relevant to contemporary lifestyles where multifunctional spaces are increasingly desirable.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas underpinning this project, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation and detailed drawings. The careful consideration of materiality, sustainability, and spatial organization provides an effective framework for modern residential living within a context that respects both tradition and innovation.

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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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