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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Materials Define This Sustainable Urban Retreat

Authors:
Tong Zhong, Ruiqiu Wen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Materials Define This Sustainable Urban Retreat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced materials, the design achieves a sustainable urban living space that fosters community interaction while prioritizing energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainable construction methods.
03
Features a uniquely bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates biophilic elements through strategically placed greenery around the structure.
05
Prioritizes energy efficiency with passive solar orientation and natural ventilation techniques.

### Overview
Located in [Insert Geographic Location], the project serves as a response to the urban landscape while addressing specific community needs. Designed by [Insert Architectural Firm/Designer], the structure was completed in [Insert Date] and aims to enhance the surrounding environment through thoughtful architectural solutions.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout is characterized by an open floor plan that facilitates movement and interaction among users. Strategic positioning of various functional spaces optimizes natural light and provides favorable sightlines throughout the interior. Key communal areas are intentionally designed to foster collaboration and engagement, ensuring that the building meets the dynamic needs of its users.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The architectural design employs a diverse palette of materials, including concrete, steel, and glass, balanced with natural elements such as wood. This combination not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the building but also contributes to its durability and performance. Sustainability is a primary consideration, with features such as energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and green roofs integrated into the design, minimizing environmental impact while promoting ecological awareness among users.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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