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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Shelter for Trekkers

Authors:
Wai Sie Ng, Khang Siang Tey
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Create a Sustainable Shelter for Trekkers

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles with local stone, the design establishes a resilient structure that efficiently provides shelter and accommodation for trekkers in a challenging mountainous environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced stone to enhance thermal mass and climate adaptability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Features large glazed facades designed for optimal solar gain and panoramic views.
04
Includes flexible interior spaces that can be easily adapted for different uses.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to maximize structural stability in harsh weather conditions.

### Overview and Concept
The House of Sun is located in a mountainous region characterized by extreme weather conditions, serving as an accommodation facility for trekkers. The design prioritizes sustainability and climate responsiveness, incorporating passive solar heating and strategically planned layouts to enhance user experience and environmental performance.

### Spatial Strategy and Materiality
The building's massing integrates modern and rustic elements through the use of local materials such as stone and timber. The non-linear configuration optimizes south-facing exposures for solar gain, essential for passive heating. Stone serves as the primary external cladding, providing thermal mass, while timber elements contribute warmth and structural integrity. Large, treated glass windows foster natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, creating a connection between the indoor spaces and nature.

Buffer spaces are strategically positioned to regulate temperature and air quality, acting as transitional zones between the interior and exterior. The flexible layout supports various uses, accommodating both private and communal activities to promote social interaction. Sun rooms, designed to capture sunlight, create inviting atmospheres throughout the day.

### Sustainability and Environmental Strategy
The design incorporates several environmental strategies, such as thermal massing, where stone walls store heat during the day to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures at night. Natural ventilation is facilitated by the layout, optimizing airflow while minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. Daylight penetration is achieved through careful planning, ensuring natural light illuminates deeper areas of the interior, enhancing well-being and reducing energy consumption for artificial lighting. The project exemplifies a commitment to sustainable architecture, balancing modern functionality with respect for the natural environment.

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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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