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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Windows Elevate Urban Community Living

Authors:
Sarah Ives, Ron Noble, Newton Xian, Margot De man
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Windows Elevate Urban Community Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles define the façade while expansive windows maximize natural light, creating a contemporary urban environment that functionally integrates residential and community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced weather resistance and a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer a sustainable structural solution and reduce construction time.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes interior space while minimizing material use.
04
Large operable windows promote natural ventilation and daylighting throughout the building.
05
Outdoor terraces are integrated into the design to foster community interaction and greenery.

The project is an innovative architectural design situated in a prominent urban environment. It serves as a multifunctional space, combining residential and commercial elements to foster community interaction. The design philosophy emphasizes sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity, reflecting the modern need for adaptable living and working spaces. The architecture integrates seamlessly with its surroundings while standing out through its intelligent layout and thoughtful material choices.

The structure features an open floor plan that maximizes the use of available space. Large windows and strategically placed skylights enhance natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving energy efficiency. The integration of green roofs and terraces provides additional outdoor spaces for residents and users, promoting a connection between nature and urban living. This project is designed not only as a place to work and live but also as a community hub that encourages social engagement.

An essential aspect of this architectural project is its use of sustainable materials. The façade incorporates locally sourced bricks and recycled steel, contributing to the building's ecological footprint. The design prioritizes passive solar heating and cooling strategies, which optimize energy use. Unique elements, such as cantilevered sections, provide outdoor shading while offering visually striking overhangs that enhance the overall aesthetic of the building. These design choices not only fulfill functional requirements but also reflect contemporary architectural trends.

The incorporation of smart building technology is a defining feature of the project. Integrated systems control lighting, climate, and security, allowing for a higher level of user customization and energy management. This feature aligns with modern architectural ideas, where technology and design converge to create practical solutions for urban living. The project also considers the importance of sound insulation and thermal comfort, ensuring that inhabitants enjoy a pleasant living environment.

Overall, the project's architectural design reflects a commitment to quality and innovative thinking. Its thoughtful layout, materiality, and integration of technology set it apart from similar structures in the area. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the presentation, which offers a comprehensive view of its distinctive features and functions.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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