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Charred Wooden Shingles and Low-E Glass Create a Compact Eco-Friendly Living Solution

Author:
Heather Potts
Charred Wooden Shingles and Low-E Glass Create a Compact Eco-Friendly Living Solution

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and laminated timber, this compact microhome blends sustainability with modern design, offering a functional yet inviting living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and improve insulation.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes vertical space while promoting natural light.
04
Integrates a green roof system, supporting biodiversity and improving stormwater management.
05
Designed with modular components for easy assembly and adaptability to various sites.
The Microhome project represents a thoughtful exploration of modern living through architecture that emphasizes both functionality and sustainability. This project addresses the growing demand for efficient living spaces by showcasing a design that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings while providing essential amenities within a compact footprint. The architecture of the Microhome is characterized by its innovative approach to spatial organization and material selection, ultimately creating a harmonious relationship between the indoor environment and the natural landscape.

At its core, the Microhome serves as a prototype for contemporary housing solutions, particularly in urban settings where space is at a premium. Its design is tailored for individuals or small families, offering all the necessary features for comfortable living without excess. The project’s layout incorporates designated zones for relaxation, cooking, and sleeping, ensuring that each area is purposeful and well-defined. This thoughtful distribution of space allows residents to navigate their home easily, promoting both privacy and social interaction.

Critical to the design are the material choices that reflect a commitment to sustainability. Laminated timber is featured prominently in the structural framework, providing both aesthetic warmth and an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional building materials. Reinforced concrete forms the foundation, ensuring stability while supporting the overall structure with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. The use of low-emissivity glass for windows enhances energy efficiency by allowing ample natural light to flood the interior while reducing heat loss during cooler months. These materials work in tandem to not only create a visually appealing space but also contribute to the Microhome’s energy-conscious design ethos.

The interior spaces further exemplify intelligent design choices, with multifunctional furniture seamlessly integrated to maximize utility. For instance, the living area includes a convertible sofa that transforms into a sleeping space, catering to the need for flexibility in small homes. This adaptability enhances the functionality of the Microhome, allowing it to serve various purposes throughout the day — from a joyful gathering space for friends to a peaceful retreat at night. The kitchen area features an island that doubles as a dining table, emphasizing collaboration during meal preparation and fostering a sense of community among residents.

Lighting and ventilation are also integral to the Microhome’s architectural design. Generous window placements offer both views of the exterior landscape and increased airflow, creating a pleasant indoor climate without reliance on mechanical systems. The incorporation of ceiling fans complements this natural ventilation strategy, enhancing comfort levels while keeping energy consumption to a minimum. The overall ambiance is one of openness and connection to the outdoor environment, mitigating the often confined feeling associated with compact living.

A unique aspect of the Microhome is its incorporation of green roof solutions, promoting biodiversity and sustainability. This feature not only enhances the insulation properties of the home but also contributes to stormwater management, reducing runoff and facilitating natural water filtration. Such design decisions indicate a forward-thinking approach to contemporary challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrating nature within urban architecture.

Overall, the Microhome project stands as a relevant case study in efficient residential architecture. Its unique design practices and materiality highlight a careful balance between modern living needs and environmental responsibility, illustrating how thoughtful design can inspire a more sustainable way of life. Those interested in understanding the many dimensions of this project are encouraged to delve deeper into its architectural plans, sections, and design ideas to appreciate the full scope of its innovative concepts. Exploring the detailed presentation will provide further insights into how architecture can address contemporary housing challenges while remaining in tune with the natural world.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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