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Charred Wooden Shingles and FSC Wood Create Sustainable Pit Stops Along the Trans-Siberian Railway

Authors:
Robyn Robertson, Mark Sin
Charred Wooden Shingles and FSC Wood Create Sustainable Pit Stops Along the Trans-Siberian Railway

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and FSC Certified wood, the design offers sustainable pit stops that blend seamlessly with the landscape, providing essential rest and information facilities for travelers along the Trans-Siberian railway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates FSC Certified wood to promote sustainable forestry practices.
03
Features triple glazed windows with Low Emissivity coatings for energy efficiency.
04
Design includes communal living spaces that foster traveler interaction.
05
Employs a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and ventilation.

## Project Overview

This initiative aims to develop a series of pit stop stations along the Trans-Siberian railway, which traverses a variety of geographical landscapes and cultural contexts. The design seeks to create functional spaces for rest and information, enhancing the travel experience by connecting the spirit of the journey with local identities.

### Spatial Organization

The designs incorporate several key functional areas: an **Entry Point** to welcome travelers and provide access to essential amenities, a **Communal Lounge** for relaxation and social interaction, an **Information Desk** to offer critical travel and regional insights, restroom facilities, and a **Firewood Storage & Fireplace** to promote comfort and warmth. The layout is intentionally designed to foster a sense of community and facilitate the exchange of experiences among travelers.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices reflect both regional characteristics and environmental considerations. **FSC Certified Wood** is utilized for framing to underscore sustainability efforts. The **Steel Wall Cladding** acknowledges local patterns, enhancing the building's connection with its surroundings. Roof shingles incorporate regional colors and designs, while the **Sealed Concrete Flooring** comprises 30% recycled content. **Triple Glazed Windows** equipped with Low Emissivity coatings improve energy efficiency, minimizing heat loss and enhancing interior comfort.

These environmentally conscious features include a **Geothermal Heat Pump** for effective heating and water management, **Low-flow Fixtures** to reduce water use, and energy-efficient systems utilizing LED lighting. The building's design integrates passive environmental strategies such as natural ventilation, reflecting a commitment to sustainability while enhancing the overall user experience.

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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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