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Charred Wooden Shingles and Lattice Shading Define a Modern Courtyard Residence

Author:
Reem A
Charred Wooden Shingles and Lattice Shading Define a Modern Courtyard Residence

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by intricate lattice shading, this modern residence focuses on indoor-outdoor connectivity in a thoughtfully designed courtyard setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient thermal performance and structural integrity.
03
Features a central courtyard that optimizes natural light and promotes seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity.
04
Employs intricate lattice shading to regulate sunlight and enhance privacy throughout the living spaces.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame design, creating unique spatial dynamics and visual interest.

### Project Overview
The Contemporary Courtyard House reinterprets the traditional courtyard dwelling with modern architectural elements while prioritizing functionality, aesthetics, and environmental considerations. Situated in an unspecified geographical location, the design synthesizes cultural heritage with contemporary principles, emphasizing a thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces through a central courtyard.

### Spatial Strategy
The central courtyard is a critical element of the design, facilitating natural ventilation and abundant light while serving as a communal space for inhabitants. The layout promotes interaction among family members by ensuring multiple access points to the courtyard while maintaining privacy from adjacent properties. This organization delineates public, semi-private, and private zones, with communal areas, such as the dining room and kitchen, located on the ground floor and private bedrooms situated on the upper levels. The design effectively enhances the living experience by balancing openness and seclusion.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette underscores a commitment to sustainability and durability. Concrete is utilized for its structural integrity and thermal mass, while stone adds natural texture to the façade. Large glass windows facilitate connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces and maximize natural light. Wood accents at entry points introduce warmth to the overall design. Traditional shading devices are modernized through intricate latticework on upper levels, optimizing light control while contributing to the aesthetic of the building. This careful selection of materials reinforces resilience and adaptability to environmental conditions while maintaining a contemporary interpretation of historical context.

### Elevation and Facade Design
The building's two-tone facade features light-colored surfaces that reflect solar heat, complemented by darker accents that introduce visual contrast. Varied window sizes and placements enhance both functional light entry and aesthetic diversity across the elevations. The symmetry of the front elevation, paired with decorative elements, establishes a distinct architectural identity while contributing to overall energy efficiency. The integration of balconies and a green roof further emphasizes the role of outdoor living spaces in enhancing the residential experience.

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