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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Hydroponics in Sustainable Micro-Housing for Urban Resilience

Author:
Daniel Cano
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Hydroponics in Sustainable Micro-Housing for Urban Resilience

Project in-detail

Modular housing units constructed with charred wooden shingles and integrated hydroponic systems offer sustainable living solutions that empower urban Latino communities in Houston.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for flexible configurations based on community needs.
02
Hydroponic systems are integrated for on-site food production.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and fire resistance.
04
Bent A-frame structure optimizes natural light and ventilation.
05
Sustainable materials prioritize environmental impact and local sourcing.

**Project Overview**
The Biophilia Refuge is situated in underserved Latino communities of Houston, particularly in areas affected by environmental challenges, such as Harrisburg and Manchester. The design framework aims to improve living conditions through a micro-housing initiative that incorporates biophilic principles, focusing on integrating nature within the urban environment and fostering community connectivity. The project seeks to revitalize local spaces while emphasizing sustainability and social equity in response to the specific needs of the population it serves.

**Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement**
The spatial organization of the Biophilia Refuge centers on fostering connections among residents. Each housing unit is modular, allowing for adaptation to the varying needs of occupants. The layout features interconnected clusters that support community interaction while maintaining functional privacy. These micro-housing units are designed to maximize utility in compact footprints, reducing environmental impact and enhancing livability.

**Sustainability and Material Selection**
Material choices are critical to the project's environmental performance and aesthetic quality. The use of wood for structural elements provides a renewable resource that contributes warmth to the design. Large glass windows are incorporated to facilitate natural light and ventilation, bridging indoor and outdoor spaces. Metal frameworks support green infrastructure, ensuring durability alongside sustainability. Key sustainable strategies include solar energy systems to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and hydroponic gardening systems that allow residents to cultivate food while practicing efficient water management.

This comprehensive approach results in a resilient community structure that prioritizes health, well-being, and adaptability, offering a potential model for similar urban interventions.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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