Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Form a Community Hub Focused on Sustainable Living

Authors:
Xavier Arés, Joan Mayor Marco
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Form a Community Hub Focused on Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a facade of charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design creates a harmonious integration with its environment while serving as a multifunctional community hub for social interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a rainwater collection system integrated into the sloped roof structure.
02
Locally sourced stone is used for both aesthetics and thermal mass, enhancing energy efficiency.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
04
A flexible interior layout allows for adaptable use of communal spaces over time.
05
The use of charred wooden shingles creates a low-maintenance exterior with improved fire resistance.

## Overview

The project is located in a context-sensitive environment that emphasizes both communal interaction and personal retreat. The cubic structure reflects a deliberate response to its geographical setting, aimed at establishing a relationship between built form and the natural landscape. Internally, the layout is designed to accommodate both social gatherings and private moments, orchestrating a balance between collective engagement and solitude.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials significantly influences the building's character and environmental performance. Local stone provides durability and aesthetic cohesion with the site, while clay brick enhances thermal performance and offers tactile qualities. Concrete is utilized for structural integrity, and glass is incorporated to optimize natural light, facilitating a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This thoughtful material selection aligns with sustainable design principles, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting local craftsmanship.

## Spatial Organization and Experience

The internal arrangement focuses on distinct zones for various activities. Communal areas, such as living and dining spaces, are designed to foster interaction, while private rooms are strategically positioned for solitude. A central staircase serves as both a functional link and a visual axis, enhancing movement throughout the space. Natural light is maximized through strategically placed windows and skylights, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere that reduces reliance on artificial lighting. The integration of outdoor terraces extends usable space and encourages outdoor living, while the architectural layout respects and responds to the surrounding topography.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy