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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Walls Define A Compact Home with Sustainable Features

Author:
Benjamin James Wathen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Walls Define A Compact Home with Sustainable Features

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and transparent insulating panels, the design merges traditional dogtrot features with modern sustainability to create a versatile microhome that promotes efficient living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a central breezeway for enhanced airflow and cooling.
02
Constructed entirely with sustainable materials, including charred wood for durability.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and insulation.
04
Features operable glass walls that facilitate natural light and outdoor connectivity.
05
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for enhanced water efficiency.
The Dogtrot Microhome project embodies a modern reinterpretation of the traditional dogtrot architectural form, prevalent in the southeastern United States. This project integrates living, working, and utility spaces within a compact framework of 25 square meters. It addresses contemporary housing needs through a focus on sustainability and versatility, enabling occupants to adapt the space for various functions.

The architectural design features a central breezeway that separates the living quarters from service areas, maximizing airflow and promoting natural cooling. This layout is not merely functional; it engages with the regional climate, leveraging passive design principles to enhance occupant comfort while minimizing energy use. The use of large, transparent insulating units facilitates natural lighting and visual connections with the outdoors, further emphasizing the project’s integration with its surroundings.

Unique Aspects of Design Approaches

This project stands out for its reconfiguration of traditional dogtrot elements into a microhome format. It incorporates configurability as a core design principle, allowing each area to evolve based on user requirements. Movable walls and sliding panels create flexible living conditions, catering to both communal and private needs. This adaptability is particularly relevant in urban settings where space is at a premium.

The project employs a selection of sustainable materials, including solar panel roofing for energy generation and wooden screen enclosures for privacy. These choices reflect a commitment to ecological design, addressing the need for low-impact living solutions. The arrangement of spaces fosters natural ventilation, reducing dependence on mechanical cooling systems and aligning the dwelling with environmentally responsible building practices.

Sustainability and Community Integration

The Dogtrot Microhome showcases advanced water management systems, incorporating features such as rainwater harvesting to enhance water efficiency. This integration of sustainability practices is further complemented by the orientation of the home, which optimizes solar access and reduces heat gain, addressing both energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Community integration is essential to this design, promoting social interaction while ensuring privacy through thoughtful spatial arrangements. The microhome’s relationship with adjacent structures and shared outdoor spaces encourages a sense of community, moving away from isolation toward a more interconnected way of living.

To explore further insights into the architectural ideas that shape the Dogtrot Microhome project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, consider reviewing the project's presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its design and function.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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