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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Greenhouse Create Sustainable Off-Grid Dwelling

Author:
Anna Wójcik
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Greenhouse Create Sustainable Off-Grid Dwelling

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and passive solar design, this off-grid dwelling incorporates a modular greenhouse to enhance sustainable living while providing essential residential functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize space and natural light.
04
Includes a modular greenhouse to support year-round food production.
05
Designed for natural ventilation to maintain indoor comfort without mechanical systems.
The Sun Catcher is an innovative architectural project designed for off-grid living, showcasing principles of sustainable architecture that prioritize energy efficiency and environmental harmony. This project embodies a minimalist approach, emphasizing both functionality and aesthetic integration within its natural surroundings. With a compact footprint of 24.7 square meters, it effectively addresses the modern need for sustainable living without compromising on comfort or utility.

Design Functionality and Unique Features

The Sun Catcher serves not only as a dwelling but also as a demonstration of self-sufficiency in energy and resource management. The structure features a slanted roof, optimized for solar energy collection through strategically placed photovoltaic panels. This architectural decision highlights the project's commitment to renewable energy, allowing it to generate power independently.

One of the most notable aspects of this project is its integration of a greenhouse, which extends the living space and enhances the functionality of the design. The greenhouse acts as an ecological buffer, supporting temperature regulation and providing opportunities for year-round food production. This design feature emphasizes the potential for urban agriculture and the importance of biodiversity in residential environments.

Incorporating extensive glass elements throughout the structure facilitates abundant natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the interior space but also promotes passive solar heating, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and heating systems.

Sustainable Material Selection

The Sun Catcher's material palette consists primarily of untreated wood, which allows the structure to blend seamlessly into its environment while promoting sustainability. The natural properties of wood contribute to the overall thermal performance of the building. Complementing the wood are glass elements that enhance both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring adequate ventilation and light entry. The potential inclusion of thermal mass materials, such as concrete or stone, aids in maintaining a balanced internal climate.

Unique Design Approaches for Modern Living

A distinctive aspect of the Sun Catcher is its modular design, allowing for ease of construction and adaptability to various settings. This modularity reflects a broader trend in architecture toward flexibility and responsive design, making it suitable for diverse environmental conditions. Additionally, the project's design encourages natural ventilation through carefully positioned operable windows and vents, optimizing airflow and temperature control throughout the year.

The attention to accessibility in the design ensures that it accommodates a wide range of users, allowing for inclusive living solutions that cater to diverse needs. Multi-functional furniture solutions further enhance the usability of the space, supporting varied activities within the compact layout.

Overall, the Sun Catcher demonstrates how thoughtful architectural design can effectively address the challenges of modern living while promoting environmental sustainability. For those seeking deeper insights, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas of this project will provide valuable context and understanding of its innovative approach to sustainable architecture.
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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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