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Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Windows in a Community-Focused Residential Design

Authors:
Matthew Gary Johnston, Bahareh Reza
Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Windows in a Community-Focused Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and high-performance windows, this residential design prioritizes sustainability and community interaction through thoughtfully integrated shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to a reduced carbon footprint and structural stability.
03
The bent A-frame design creates distinctive rooflines while optimizing interior space.
04
Shared outdoor gardens encourage community engagement and interaction among residents.
05
High-performance windows enhance energy efficiency and natural light throughout the living spaces.

## Overview

Located in an urban setting, the House of the Future employs innovative design elements to address sustainability, community integration, and advanced material application. This project reflects a vision for future housing that meets environmental challenges while enhancing social connectivity. It focuses not only on individual residences but also on shared spaces that promote communal living and foster interactions among residents.

## Design and Spatial Strategy

### Community-Centric Layout
The project emphasizes a comprehensive arrangement of living units combined with communal areas designed to facilitate engagement among residents. Each household is strategically paired with communal green spaces, promoting interaction and collaboration. The layout features a balance of private and semi-private areas, ensuring personal privacy while providing accessibility to shared amenities. An organized vehicle access system is integrated to maintain smooth circulation for both residents and visitors, complemented by designated outdoor spaces that encourage recreational activities and community bonding.

### Interior Organization
Interior spaces are defined by an open-concept design that enhances natural light and ventilation. Master bedroom suites include walk-in closets and direct access to private outdoor areas, while functional zones such as kitchens and living spaces are arranged for effortless flow and social interaction. Elevators and stairwells are positioned strategically to promote accessibility throughout the multi-level structure. This thoughtful spatial organization ensures a harmonious living environment aligned with contemporary standards for residential usability.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The integration of eco-friendly materials is a cornerstone of the design philosophy, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The project features a selection of exterior finishes, including light, medium, and dark stucco that enhance both aesthetics and thermal performance. High-performance aluminum window systems contribute to energy conservation, while decorative gates offer security alongside architectural appeal.

Internally, the use of durable materials for built-in cabinetry, engineered surfaces, and flooring emphasizes both functionality and design integrity. Curved ceiling features are designed to optimize acoustics, blending form and utility seamlessly. This careful selection of materials ensures that the building not only meets aesthetic goals but also performs effectively within its environmental context, positioning the House of the Future as a model for sustainable 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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