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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design in a Self-Sufficient Residential Space

Author:
Mohamed nabyl Chenaf
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Design in a Self-Sufficient Residential Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and modular design elements, this self-sufficient residential space integrates urban agriculture and renewable energy solutions to promote sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Incorporates a rooftop garden designed for urban agriculture and biodiversity.
04
Integrates a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and ventilation.
05
Equipped with renewable energy sources, including solar panels and a wind turbine.

The project is situated within a climate-sensitive environment, promoting a sustainable residential lifestyle that transcends traditional notions of shelter. The design prioritizes energy and food production, integrating advancements in technology to meet contemporary living needs. Characterized by a modular form that adapts to the site, the architecture enhances natural light and ventilation, particularly relevant in arid climates.

### Sustainability in Design
Central to the design is the emphasis on self-sufficiency, incorporating renewable energy systems, including solar panels and a wind turbine. These elements are seamlessly integrated to optimize environmental performance. Additionally, the inclusion of urban agriculture features, such as a rooftop garden, fosters biodiversity and allows residents to cultivate their own food, exemplifying a commitment to sustainable living practices.

### Spatial and Material Strategy
The internal layout promotes fluidity and connectivity, with spaces for living, dining, and working organized around a central corridor that facilitates movement. Large glass facades are employed to enhance natural light while providing views of landscaped surroundings, which feature native plants that align with local ecological conditions. The choice of materials includes reinforced concrete for structural integrity, extensive glass for energy efficiency, and thermal insulation to enhance comfort. Innovative use of steel in the design elements allows for durability alongside aesthetic modernity, reinforcing the project's architectural vision.

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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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