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 Green Roofs in Sustainable Micro-Living Solutions

Authors:
Alexander Herrera-rojas, Katarzyna Ziółkowska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs in Sustainable Micro-Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and an extensive green roof, the design emphasizes sustainable micro-living, effectively merging eco-friendly materials with functional residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features an extensive green roof to support biodiversity and improve energy efficiency.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Includes a flexible layout that adapts to both living and working needs.
05
Emphasizes natural light through strategically placed double-glazed windows.

## Overview

MicroHIVE is located in an urban setting designed to facilitate sustainable living while promoting community interaction. The project integrates residential and communal spaces within a compact framework, addressing the modern demand for adaptable environments that accommodate both work and leisure. The architectural intent focuses on enhancing the quality of life for inhabitants through flexible design, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and communal functionality.

## Spatial Arrangement

In MicroHIVE, spatial organization has been strategically devised to establish distinct identities for different areas while fostering interactions among residents. The structure is distributed across three levels:

- **Ground Floor**: This level features an open-plan layout, accommodating the kitchen, dining area, and a WC/Shower, fostering fluidity and connectivity.
- **First Floor**: Here, a versatile working area is integrated with living spaces, facilitating productivity alongside personal well-being.
- **Second Floor**: Dedicated to private sleeping quarters, this level maintains an open feel while ensuring comfort and privacy.

This organized arrangement promotes adaptability, allowing each space to evolve and serve multiple purposes as user needs change over time.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials in MicroHIVE is central to its sustainable design ethos. Key components include:

1. **Timber Cladding**: Employed on the exterior, enhancing thermal efficiency and contributing to visual aesthetics.
2. **Double Glazed Windows**: Designed to optimize natural light and reduce energy consumption, thereby improving indoor comfort.
3. **Natural Wood Finishes**: Used throughout the interior to aid sound absorption and create a warm ambiance.
4. **Solar Tiles**: Positioned on the roof to generate renewable energy, enhancing the building's self-sufficiency.

Additionally, MicroHIVE incorporates several sustainability features, including a solar battery and heat pump system for energy efficiency, an extensive green roof for temperature regulation and outdoor space, and water management systems that promote conservation efforts. These elements not only minimize the ecological footprint but also define a cohesive aesthetic within the project.

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