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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Walls in a Compact, Accessible Living Space

Authors:
Sarah Kleiner, Wendy Klepcyk, Abigail Lovins, Emily Mayforth
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Walls in a Compact, Accessible Living Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by green walls, this accessible living space integrates sustainable materials to create a compact environment for modern urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates green wall systems for improved air quality and insulation.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Features a bent A-frame design to enhance spatial dynamics and aesthetic appeal.
05
Includes a car lift for maximizing utility in a compact urban environment.
The "Universal Appeal" architectural design project represents a notable response to today’s housing challenges, emphasizing accessibility and sustainability. Designed as a versatile tiny home, the project embodies principles of universal design to accommodate a wide range of users, from the elderly to those with mobility challenges. The structure’s layout prioritizes functionality while making efficient use of space, allowing for both urban infill and off-grid living solutions.

The architectural design features a compact footprint, yet it offers an open-plan living area that integrates the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. The design includes a ground floor that houses essential utility areas, ensuring that the living spaces above remain uncluttered. Important features such as a chair lift enhance accessibility, reflecting the project's commitment to inclusivity. The incorporation of a roof deck provides a private, outdoor living area, further expanding usable space.

Sustainable practices are a core focus of this design. The project incorporates a variety of eco-friendly materials, including composite wood for siding, metal roofing, and a green wall system that improves insulation while enhancing air quality. Energy-efficient appliances and integrated solar panels showcase a commitment to reducing the environmental footprint. The choice of durable, low-maintenance materials guarantees the longevity of the structure, making it suitable for diverse climates.

Innovative design solutions distinguish this project from similar tiny home concepts. The dual-level layout, coupled with an adaptable car lift, addresses common parking and utility challenges found in urban settings. This flexibility allows the home to respond to varying contexts, emerging as a model for future modular housing. Its ability to function effectively in both urban and rural environments illustrates the versatility fundamental to the design’s success.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the project. The main floor offers a fluid experience with spaces designed for ease of movement and everyday use. The careful arrangement of rooms avoids unnecessary barriers, promoting independence for users. The practical combination of features, including storage solutions and energy systems, underscores the functionality of this architectural design.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of this project, the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs provide further insights into the rationale behind the design choices. Engaging with these materials will enhance understanding of the innovative ideas implemented in this project, revealing the thought-process behind creating inclusive and sustainable housing solutions.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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