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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Insulation Enhance Adaptable Housing Solutions

Author:
Quek Xiu Pei
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Insulation Enhance Adaptable Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a modular insulation system, this adaptable housing solution provides a flexible environment that meets diverse living needs while promoting sustainable practices within an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a Slot & Lock assembly system for rapid construction without specialized tools.
02
Incorporates local materials to minimize environmental impact and support regional economies.
03
Featuring flexible interior layouts that can adapt to changing family sizes and needs.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
05
Integrates custom insulation techniques to optimize energy efficiency across varying climates.

### Overview
Located in Santiago, Chile, the MoDu project addresses the urgent need for affordable housing amidst rising living costs and numerous vacant lots. The design solution integrates a modular framework that allows for easy reconfiguration, targeting varied housing demands across neighborhoods. The approach emphasizes adaptability, enabling users to assemble their homes with minimal tools, thus promoting active participation in the construction process.

### Modular Design and User Engagement
Central to the project is the "Slot & Lock system," which facilitates straightforward assembly and disassembly of housing units. This method not only aids in the rapid adaptation to changing community needs but also allows for transformations of spaces from private homes to community centers or emergency shelters. The modular system is engineered with standardized, mass-produced components, significantly reducing costs while enhancing user interaction in the building phase.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The selection of materials is strategically focused on sustainability and functionality. Key components include KingSpan QuadCore panels for energy efficiency, KingSpan Kooltherm for interior framing, and Dri-Design Panels for facade durability. Interior finishes incorporate plywood and glass to create inviting spaces, while locally sourced materials, such as reclaimed wood and straw, align with sustainable practices and community engagement.

Ventilation is designed to cater to various climate conditions with options tailored for low, medium, and high temperature ranges, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency. The modular nature of the building encourages configurations suited for single-family units, communal sleeping arrangements, or communal spaces, fostering collaboration and social interaction within the community.

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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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