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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Define Sustainable Living in Compact Urban Homes

Authors:
Amilcar Perez, Diane Lan, Ariel Arosemena
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Define Sustainable Living in Compact Urban Homes

Project in-detail

Blending charred wooden shingles with green roofs, these compact homes offer sustainable living solutions in an urban setting, emphasizing adaptability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Green roofs integrated into the design promote biodiversity and support local ecosystems.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural integrity while reducing construction time.
04
Modular elements allow for adaptability and customization based on resident needs.
05
Natural ventilation strategies optimize air quality and reduce energy consumption.
The ADA House project in the Rufina Alfaro district of Panama provides an innovative solution to the challenges of urban housing. This architectural endeavor embodies modern thinking in microhousing, reflecting both practicality and aesthetic sensibility. The design serves as a response to increasing population density in urban areas, with the aim of creating efficient living spaces that do not compromise comfort or community interaction.

Functionally, the ADA House aims to cater to diverse lifestyles within a compact footprint. Each unit is thoughtfully laid out to maximize usability while ensuring an inviting atmosphere. The design encompasses living, dining, and private bedroom areas, complemented by essential amenities. By creating open living spaces, the architecture discourages the confinement often associated with smaller homes, promoting a sense of flow and connectivity. The inclusion of large windows facilitates natural light, reinforcing the importance of environmental comfort within the living environment.

One of the standout features of the ADA House is its potential for scalability. This project demonstrates adaptability by allowing modifications to suit varying family sizes and individual requirements. The modular nature of the design encourages residents to personalize their homes while maintaining the overall architectural integrity. This flexibility is vital in addressing the diverse needs of urban dwellers.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the design approach of the ADA House. The use of local wood for cladding not only contributes to the visual warmth of the structure but also enhances its thermal performance. Concrete elements are employed for stability, ensuring that the building is resilient against the challenging weather conditions typical of the region. Incorporating glass into the design allows for seamless transitions between the indoors and outdoors, creating a cohesive living experience. Furthermore, the selection of insulation materials and metal finishes reflects a commitment to sustainability and practicality without compromising style.

A notable aspect of this project is the integration of green roofs and outdoor terraces, which promote environmental awareness as well as functional outdoor living areas for residents. These spaces are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve a practical purpose, allowing for rainwater management and promoting biodiversity in urban settings. Furthermore, by providing semi-outdoor areas, the design encourages social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community within the compact arrangement of homes.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the ADA House, particularly in the emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainable living. The project incorporates passive design strategies to minimize energy consumption, enhancing the overall resilience of the structure. These ideas reflect a growing awareness of the responsibilities architects have toward environmental stewardship, especially in urban settings where resources may be limited.

The ADA House stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural design that addresses contemporary housing challenges. By merging functionality with aesthetic considerations, this project illustrates how microhomes can be symbiotic with urban environments. It celebrates the potential for architecture to create not just shelter but a nurturing community experience. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs that constitute this project, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the ADA House. Engaging with these details will reveal the innovative architectural ideas that shape this exemplary housing solution.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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