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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Define Sustainable Community Integration

Authors:
Shihao Huang, Jiansong Yuan, Yuejia Ying
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Define Sustainable Community Integration

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design fuses sustainability with modern aesthetics to create a functional community space that enhances its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance fire resistance while offering a unique texture.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views from various angles.
04
Integrates an eco-friendly rainwater harvesting system to support landscape irrigation.
05
Creates a multifunctional community courtyard that fosters social interaction and environmental connection.

**Project Overview**
The Peace Curtain project, located in Kharkiv, Ukraine, aims to revitalize existing concrete housing structures through a modular architectural system. Its primary focus is on enhancing community resilience by improving structural integrity and creating multifunctional public spaces that adapt to the needs of residents. This initiative addresses the pressing challenges faced by the community, particularly during emergencies, by fostering an environment that supports social interaction and resource accessibility.

**Spatial Strategy and Connectivity**
The design incorporates innovative elements that prioritize safety and adaptability. Modular units, each measuring 3.2m x 3.2m, can accommodate a range of uses, from residential living to community resource hubs. Egress systems are integrated to ensure connectivity to outdoor environments and bomb shelters, enhancing both mobility and safety for residents. The dynamic use of space allows for varied internal layouts, enabling flexibility in response to changing community needs while retaining structural stability.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The facade of the Peace Curtain employs a triple-layer polycarbonate system that enhances energy efficiency and provides natural light while allowing for passive temperature regulation. The structural reinforcement techniques focus on integrating additional bracing to reinforce existing buildings without compromising their foundations. This approach minimizes construction disruption and uncertainty. Additionally, the incorporation of eco-friendly materials throughout demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, supporting the project’s overall goal of improving the quality of life for residents through thoughtful design and resource management.

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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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