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Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Windows Define a Sustainable Microhome Experience

Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Windows Define a Sustainable Microhome Experience
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and incorporating extensive glass facades, the microhome blends sustainable materials with adaptable living spaces to create a self-sufficient retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for added durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance and insulation.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space while maintaining visual interest.
04
Incorporates large glass facades to maximize natural light and integrate with the surroundings.
05
Equipped with self-sufficient systems for solar power and water purification.

## Project Overview

Two architectural designs, located in natural settings such as riverbanks and mountainous terrains, address the challenges of modern living through compact solutions that prioritize sustainability, functionality, and adaptability. Each design presents unique strategies aimed at creating functional living spaces that remain in harmony with their surrounding environments.

### Spatial Strategy

The microhome is designed as a compact, mobile structure optimized for various site conditions. It incorporates multifunctional furniture and an open layout to maximize interior space while fostering comfort. Large windows enhance this spatial strategy by allowing natural light to permeate the interior, offering views of the landscape and creating a connection with the outdoors. In contrast, the sloped roof house utilizes vertical space effectively by incorporating sleeping quarters within the ceiling area, allowing for more functional living within a limited footprint. Moveable partitions and foldable furniture further enhance adaptability for different occupant needs.

### Material and Environmental Integration

The microhome prioritizes sustainable materiality, utilizing organic components to forge a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. Elements include Kingspan sandwich panels for insulation, concrete for foundational durability, and expansive glass windows that promote visual continuity with nature. Similarly, the sloped roof house employs locally sourced milled wood and glass panels, emphasizing warmth and transparency. Solar panels integrated into the roofing system highlight a commitment to renewable energy, while a metal roof provides resilience against environmental conditions. Both projects underscore a dedication to sustainability, creating spaces that serve contemporary living needs while minimizing ecological impact.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
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Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
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Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

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Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
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Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
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Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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