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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roof Integration in Sustainable Tropical Housing

Authors:
Amilcar Perez, Diane Lan, Ariel Arosemena
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roof Integration in Sustainable Tropical Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a green roof, the design encapsulates sustainable living within a modular framework, providing essential housing that harmonizes with its tropical environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates a green roof system for effective stormwater management and insulation.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels to increase structural efficiency and thermal performance.
04
Designed with a modular layout, allowing for adaptability to various urban contexts.
05
Optimizes passive cooling techniques through strategic building orientation and ventilation.
The Ada House is an architectural project situated in the Rufina Alfaro district of the Republic of Panama. This design focuses on creating efficient and sustainable housing through a contemporary approach that addresses the social and environmental needs of the local community. The project prioritizes functionality while maintaining a strong connection with the surrounding environment, representing a thoughtful response to the challenges of urban living in tropical climates.

The Ada House comprises key functional areas: a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, all organized in a way that promotes comfort and ease of movement. Each space is designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, which is essential for reducing energy consumption and enhancing overall living conditions. This architectural integration of indoor and outdoor spaces encourages interaction among residents, reinforcing community ties.

Design Strategies that Set the Ada House Apart

What distinguishes Ada House from conventional housing is its adaptation to local climate conditions and its emphasis on sustainability. The project employs a modular design that allows for scalability based on the inhabitants’ needs, showcasing flexibility within a compact footprint. Additionally, the materials chosen are local and sustainable, including timber for structural framing, concrete for durability, and glass to enhance natural lighting. The use of a green roof system also contributes to thermal insulation and stormwater management, which are vital in the humid environment of Panama.

The building orientation is optimized to capture prevailing breezes and direct sunlight, reducing dependency on mechanical systems. This passive cooling strategy aligns with modern sustainable building practices, making the structure not only environmentally conscious but also economically viable for future occupants.

Integration of Community and Environment

The design prioritizes outdoor spaces, with roofed terraces that extend the living area beyond its interior walls. This approach supports social interactions and activities, fostering a sense of community among residents. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces allows for both privacy and openness, catering to the diverse needs of family life.

The architectural drawings, including floor plans and sections, reveal a comprehensive understanding of spatial relationships and structural efficiency present in the design. The clarity of these architectural plans allows for easy comprehension of how various elements interconnect and function cohesively. The project’s layout effectively utilizes available land while accommodating the necessary living requirements.

Explore the project presentation for a detailed view of architectural designs and ideas that reflect the specific design approaches employed in the Ada House. An examination of the architectural plans and sections will provide further insight into how these strategies come together to fulfill the housing needs of the community in Panama.
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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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