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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Redefining Communal Living Spaces

Authors:
Dominika Poluk, KAMIL STAŃCZYK
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Redefining Communal Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive green roofs create a distinct façade that blends seamlessly into the landscape, fostering a supportive environment for community living and wellness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a natural fire-resistant feature while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength and reduce the carbon footprint of the building.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while minimizing material waste during construction.
04
Integrated green roofs support biodiversity and improve rainwater management on-site.
05
The layout encourages social interaction through communal gathering areas and shared gardens.

**Vale do Sorriso Overview**

Located in a region renowned for its natural landscapes, Vale do Sorriso has been crafted to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. The project's intent focuses on sustainability, social connectivity, and the integration of nature into the architecture. The design aims to address the psychosocial needs of its residents, fostering an atmosphere that encourages both well-being and community interaction.

**Architectural Layout and Functional Zoning**

The main structure, comprising five levels, accommodates a mix of residential units, communal spaces, and therapeutic areas. This layout supports an effective circulation path, enabling smooth transitions between private and shared environments. A thoughtful circulation strategy features multiple access points and includes vertical elements such as lifts, ensuring accessibility for all residents. Specifically designated zones for daily activities, healthcare, and rehabilitation emphasize the project’s dual function as both a residential and therapeutic facility, thereby promoting healing and engagement.

**Material Selection and Facade Design**

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability and fire resistance. Large glass panels maximize natural light and foster a connection with the outdoors. Wood accents in balconies and interiors offer a warm, inviting atmosphere. The incorporation of green roofs not only improves insulation but also supports biodiversity, creating a more pleasant microclimate. The facade employs a combination of materials and colors that blend with the natural setting, featuring vertical elements and plantings that soften the overall appearance and integrate the building more fully into its landscape.

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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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