Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in Sustainable Community Living

Author:
Benoît Simonnet
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a series of streamlined forms with expansive glass panels, creating a harmonious balance of durability and transparency in a contemporary living environment designed for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural efficiency and reduced construction time.
03
Expansive glass facades ensure optimal natural light and panoramic views.
04
The bent A-frame design effectively manages wind loads in the local climate.
05
Integrated water recycling systems promote sustainability and resource efficiency.

### Project Overview

Located in a visually striking landscape reminiscent of Iceland, the design focuses on creating living spaces that blend functionality with an appreciation for the surrounding environment. The intent is to facilitate a harmonious relationship between the built structures and natural elements, ensuring the spaces cater to a variety of user experiences while reflecting a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic coherence.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs a deliberate spatial organization to balance private and communal areas, enhancing both comfort and social interaction. Clear separations are established between living quarters and common spaces, promoting intimacy alongside opportunities for community engagement. The orientation of buildings is strategically planned to optimize natural light exposure and maximize views, inviting the dramatic vistas of the landscape into everyday living.

### Material Selections and Sustainability

A focused approach to materiality underscores the project's commitment to durability and environmental responsibility. Wooden frames provide structural integrity and eco-friendliness, while concrete foundations contribute to stability with minimal site disturbance. Extensive use of glass fosters transparency, creating a visual connection to the exterior and blurring boundaries between inside and outside. Additionally, features like wind turbines and water recycling systems demonstrate a conscious integration of renewable energy solutions, reinforcing the design’s sustainability ethos. The incorporation of sloped roofs also facilitates resilience against local weather conditions, ensuring the spaces remain functional and comfortable throughout varying climates.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy