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Charred Wooden Shingles and Hardwood Crafting in Compact Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Julia Stachura, Karolina Kaleta, Oliwia Lipiec
Charred Wooden Shingles and Hardwood Crafting in Compact Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Crafted from charred wooden shingles and local hardwood, this compact urban dwelling maximizes functionality while promoting sustainable living for young families in densely populated neighborhoods.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using locally sourced hardwood to enhance sustainability and community connection.
02
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to support environmental efficiency.
03
Features a modular design that allows for future expansion based on family needs.
04
Utilizes large windows for abundant natural light and outdoor connectivity.
05
Includes a terrace that promotes outdoor living and social interaction.

## Overview

The Microhome project in Brazil aims to address the urgent housing challenges faced by young families in urban areas with limited living space. Located in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, this design prioritizes sustainability and efficient use of space to create a functional and supportive living environment that meets contemporary family needs.

## Spatial Strategy

The microhome's layout emphasizes careful organization of functional areas to optimize daily living. An open-plan configuration facilitates interaction, with clearly defined zones for cooking, dining, and communal activities, promoting a cohesive living experience. Bedrooms are strategically placed to enhance privacy, positioned away from high-traffic areas, with sliding walls that offer flexibility for reconfiguration. The integration of a terrace extends the living area outdoors, enriching the spatial experience while establishing connections to the surrounding environment.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project utilizes locally sourced materials to foster resilience and sustainability. Local hardwood provides aesthetic warmth and structural integrity, while sheet metal roofing ensures durability in varying weather conditions. Concrete mixed with local aggregates supports foundational stability, addressing site-specific challenges. Ample use of glass enhances natural lighting and visual connectivity to the outdoors, while composite cladding improves insulation and aligns with the local landscape. Key sustainability measures include rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels for energy generation, and effective waste management solutions, contributing to environmentally responsible living.

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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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