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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Seaside Living Through Sustainable Material Choices

Authors:
Carlo Serafini, Matteo Serafini
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Seaside Living Through Sustainable Material Choices

Project in-detail

Featuring charred wooden shingles and green roofs, the design integrates sustainable materials to create a coastal residential community that enhances the natural environment while fostering social connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features green roofs that integrate vegetation and improve insulation.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural support.
04
Design facilitates optimal natural light and ventilation through large glass elements.
05
Community paths connect public spaces while promoting social interaction.

## Project Overview

Located in a coastal setting, the development aims to establish a connection between architectural design and the natural environment. The intent is to enhance the coastal living experience while promoting a sense of community and accessibility. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability through thoughtful integration of the surrounding topography and existing flora.

## Materiality and Environmental Integration

Material selection plays a crucial role in advancing the project’s sustainability objectives. Wood is employed for facades and communal areas, contributing to an inviting atmosphere while utilizing renewable resources. Glass is prominently featured in windows and balconies, maximizing natural light and offering unobstructed views of the coastline, thereby fostering a sense of openness. Structural elements incorporate metal for durability and aesthetic appeal, while concrete serves as a foundational material, ensuring stability in line with contemporary construction practices.

The project prioritizes environmental responsiveness through the strategic incorporation of vegetation. This not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the development but also supports environmental insulation and mitigates the urban heat island effect. Greenery is integrated into roof designs and along facades, contributing to improved air quality and habitat creation for local wildlife.

## Spatial Organization and Community Focus

The spatial arrangement emphasizes interaction among residents and the fostering of a sense of community. Key features include centralized gathering areas that encourage social engagement, surrounded by thoughtfully landscaped recreational spaces. Residential units are designed to maximize natural light, views, and ventilation while maintaining privacy, with private outdoor terraces serving as extensions of living spaces.

By incorporating shared gardens and pathways, the layout facilitates communal activities and reinforces social connectivity among residents. This design approach reflects contemporary urban living trends that emphasize well-being and interaction within residential environments. Additionally, sustainability initiatives, including rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient designs, further support the overall goal of ecological responsibility.

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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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