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Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Systems Enhance Sustainable Living in Suburban Design

Authors:
Luca Donner, Francesca Sorcinelli
Charred Wooden Shingles and Geothermal Systems Enhance Sustainable Living in Suburban Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and integrated geothermal systems, the design emphasizes sustainable living solutions that harmonize with a suburban context while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles, the exterior enhances durability while promoting fire resistance.
02
Integrated geothermal systems facilitate energy-efficient heating and cooling throughout the year.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes internal space and creates distinctive visual lines.
04
Natural ventilation is achieved through strategically placed wind collectors, improving air quality.
05
A central courtyard serves as a communal hub, fostering social interaction among residents.

### Project Overview

The project is situated in a suburban environment, focusing on the integration of contemporary design with traditional elements that resonate with the local context. The intent is to create a dwelling that promotes sustainable living and facilitates social interactions among its inhabitants. The design emphasizes intuitive space utilization and climatic responsiveness while considering the surrounding ecological and cultural landscape.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

Central to the design philosophy is the modular approach that allows for both private spaces and communal areas. The use of "inhibited walls" establishes a dynamic relationship between private and public realms, fostering community cohesion. The spatial layout is structured around a central courtyard featuring recreational amenities, which actively encourages social engagement while maintaining privacy within individual units.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

The project employs a careful selection of materials that prioritize sustainability and functional performance. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural stability, wood for warmth and aesthetic softening, and aluminum profiles for enhanced durability. The integration of photovoltaic systems and geothermal heating underscores a commitment to renewable energy, while features such as skylights and wind collectors optimize natural light and ventilation. This strategic materiality not only enhances the building's environmental performance but also creates a dialogue between the built environment and nature. Future adaptability has been considered in the design, allowing for potential expansions without structural compromise, embodying a forward-thinking architectural strategy.

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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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