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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Reshape a Traditional Community for Elders

Author:
Sara Siyanati
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Reshape a Traditional Community for Elders

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design revitalizes a historical context while providing multifunctional spaces for elder community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetic connection to local traditions.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels utilized for efficient structural performance and reduced carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation within communal spaces.
04
Integration of artistic workspaces encourages creative engagement among elder residents.
05
Rainwater harvesting system implemented to promote sustainable resource management.

## Overview
Located in an area characterized by rice fields and an incomplete historical structure, the project focuses on reconnecting elderly residents with their community. This initiative aims to enhance social interactions that acknowledge both historical significance and contemporary needs, particularly in light of the challenges posed by urbanization and environmental disruptions such as flooding.

## Spatial Configuration and Accessibility
The design features a careful layout that integrates public and private spaces, enabling social engagement while providing areas for reflection. The existing historical structure serves as a focal point for the new construction, fostering a dialogue between past and present. Pathways have been designed to connect residential units to the surrounding landscape, enhancing accessibility and encouraging participation in local economic activities.

## Material Palette and Sustainable Technologies
Materials are selected for their functional and cultural relevance. Local stone and timber are employed extensively, integrating the structure with its geological and cultural identity while offering warmth and familiarity. The design incorporates smart technologies, including windows that adjust to internal environmental conditions, a rainwater harvesting system, and pitched roofs for enhanced ventilation. These elements collectively contribute to the building's energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

## Emotional and Cultural Resonance
Interior spaces are designed to evoke nostalgia through the inclusion of traditional architectural motifs, fostering connections to the residents' collective history. This approach not only fulfills practical needs but also enhances emotional well-being, creating an environment that supports both community interaction and individual reflection.

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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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