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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Sustainability in Collaborative Living Spaces

Author:
Guido Bigolin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Sustainability in Collaborative Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Modular units composed of charred wooden shingles and integrated hydroponic gardens create a sustainable living environment designed to foster community collaboration in agricultural settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy transport and adaptability to various landscapes.
02
Integration of hydroponic systems enhances food production within the living spaces.
03
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural efficiency while reducing carbon footprint.
05
Community gardens promote collaboration and sustainable practices among residents.

**Overview and Intent**

The Biohubs project is situated in the Saint Lawrence Valley region of Quebec, Canada. It addresses the challenges of urban sprawl and an aging agricultural workforce by promoting sustainable living through permaculture and community-building efforts within a regenerating agricultural landscape. The initiative is designed to integrate residential spaces with agricultural activities, establishing a framework that encourages collaboration among residents and seasonal farmworkers.

**Architectural Strategy and Materiality**

The Biohubs feature a modular design utilizing prefabricated units that enhance construction efficiency and allow for adaptability in response to varying site conditions. Each building incorporates sustainable materials such as insulated sandwich roofing panels, timber trusses, and double-glazing windows, contributing to both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency. The overall architectural style favors contemporary simplicity, focusing on functionality and sustainability.

The interior functional layout includes multipurpose living areas, which accommodate various uses through flexible furniture solutions, such as Murphy beds that convert spaces efficiently. Outdoor integration is emphasized through balconies and decks that connect residents with the natural surroundings, while integrated gardening systems, including hydroponic and self-irrigated gardens, promote an active engagement with food production.

**Sustainability and Technological Integration**

The sustainable ethos is further exemplified through the incorporation of renewable energy systems. Solar panels installed on rooftops reduce reliance on external energy sources, while a rainwater harvesting system supports irrigation efforts and minimizes water waste. The project also prioritizes community interaction via shared spaces such as communal gardens and participant-led farming initiatives, fostering connections among residents and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Unique features of the Biohubs include their transportability, allowing for ease of relocation and assembly to meet diverse needs, and a focus on agricultural productivity that distinguishes this development from typical residential projects. The modular design approach facilitates a participatory construction method, empowering residents to contribute actively to their living environment.

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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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