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Charred Wooden Shingles and Locally Sourced Brick Create a Family Residence Embracing Nature

Charred Wooden Shingles and Locally Sourced Brick Create a Family Residence Embracing Nature

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced brick, the design establishes a contemporary family residence that integrates biophilic elements with functional public and private spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and spatial flow.
04
Incorporates integrated green roofs to promote biodiversity and thermal insulation.
05
Designed with a communal *majlis* to foster social interaction within the community.

## Overview

Located in a culturally rich environment, the project reflects a contemporary architectural approach that acknowledges local traditions and climate. The design seeks to create spaces that cater to both communal and private needs while fostering a strong connection between the building and its surroundings. This goal is achieved through a careful reimagining of traditional architectural styles, integrating modern functionality with contextual awareness.

### Spatial Organization

The layout is intentionally structured to balance public and private areas. On the ground floor, a self-sufficient *majlis* serves as a central social hub, complemented by practical spaces such as the kitchen and service areas that are discreetly integrated to preserve the aesthetic integrity of the communal environment. The first floor prioritizes privacy with master bedrooms featuring access to balconies, along with hallways leading to dedicated offices and children's bedrooms. The design includes an outdoor lounge terrace, enhancing family interactions and providing scenic views of the landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs locally sourced materials that underscore its commitment to sustainability. Primarily utilizing locally produced brick for its thermal mass properties, the design also incorporates large glass panels to maximize natural light and establish a dialogue between indoor and outdoor spaces. Minimal concrete details serve structural needs, while steel components reinforce the innovative roof structure. The inclusion of green roofs contributes to thermal insulation and promotes biodiversity, while the use of locally sourced materials minimizes transportation emissions and supports the regional economy.

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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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