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Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glass in Sustainable Residential Spaces

Authors:
Marco Antonio Velazquez Arroyo, Michelle Enid Díaz Costeño, María Carolina Caseb, Antonio Grajales, Daniela Geraldhy Aguilar Ortiz
Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glass in Sustainable Residential Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and high-performance glass, this design exemplifies sustainable living through innovative bioclimatic strategies while providing comfortable residential spaces for its occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates wind towers for natural ventilation, enhancing indoor air quality.
02
Employs rainwater harvesting systems to support water self-sufficiency.
03
Utilizes high-performance glass to optimize energy efficiency and daylighting.
04
Designed around a central courtyard, fostering community interaction and outdoor space.
05
Integrates locally sourced natural stone, reducing environmental impact and promoting local materials.

## Overview

The project is situated in a region characterized by extreme weather conditions and aims to create sustainable, eco-friendly living spaces that foster a connection between inhabitants and the natural environment. The design integrates contemporary architectural standards with cultural and historical references, emphasizing the importance of bioclimatic principles and energy efficiency.

### Spatial Strategy and Climate Adaptation

The design incorporates passive and active systems to enhance energy performance while responding to climatic variations. Key spatial strategies include:

- **Central Courtyard**: This element serves as an architectural focal point, facilitating natural ventilation and light while promoting community interaction.
- **Wind Towers**: Engineered to capture and direct cooler breezes, these structures provide thermal comfort in warmer climates.
- **Flexible Spaces**: The interiors are designed for adaptability, allowing areas to serve multiple functions based on the evolving needs of residents.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The material selection emphasizes sustainability and performance. Notable materials include:

- **Natural Stone**: Utilized for thermal efficiency and alignment with the regional architectural style.
- **High-performance Glass**: Designed to maximize natural light while minimizing heat loss.
- **Solar Panels**: Incorporated to harness renewable energy effectively.
- **Ceramic Tiles and Concrete**: Selected for their durability and functional versatility.

The integration of water management features such as rainwater harvesting systems and the use of reflective paints contribute to reducing energy consumption while promoting self-sufficiency. The layout also fosters connectivity through communal corridors, service zones, and designated green spaces, enhancing social interaction while ensuring privacy for residents.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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
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