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Charred Wooden Shingles and Exposed Concrete Create a Multifunctional Community Hub

Authors:
Esteban Alvarez Ruiz, Francisco Javier Torres Solar
Charred Wooden Shingles and Exposed Concrete Create a Multifunctional Community Hub

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and exposed concrete, the design fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, serving as a versatile community hub for social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for spacious interior layouts and improved natural light.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to promote sustainability and resource conservation.
05
Offers flexible multifunctional spaces that adapt to various community activities and needs.

## Project Overview

Located in diverse biomes, the Interspecies Shelter is designed to enhance coexistence between humans and wildlife by integrating built environments with natural ecosystems. The project emphasizes modular, adaptable construction strategies that respond to varying climatic conditions, including mountain temperate, warm desert, and cold steppe environments. By focusing on ecological sustainability, the design aims to foster multi-species interactions while providing safe and comfortable living spaces.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The shelter's interior is characterized by flexible room configurations, allowing inhabitants to customize their living environments according to individual needs. Functional areas including bedrooms, a studio, a gym, a living room, and a dining area are thoughtfully integrated into a cohesive layout. Modular furniture is employed throughout the space, designed for portability and multi-functionality, using lightweight materials that promote an organic aesthetic aligned with the surrounding landscape.

### Climate Adaptability and Biodiversity Integration

The architectural design prioritizes climate responsiveness through features such as natural ventilation, which enhances airflow via strategically placed roof slopes and ventilation openings. Solar panels are incorporated to provide sustainable energy solutions, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, specific architectural elements, such as nesting spaces for local wildlife and nature observation windows, facilitate interspecies interactions, allowing residents to observe and engage with the surrounding ecosystem while nurturing local biodiversity.

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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
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