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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Timber Units Shaping An Inclusive Housing Community

Authors:
Maria Maslova, Elena Meliakova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Timber Units Shaping An Inclusive Housing Community

Project in-detail

Modular timber units and charred wooden shingles converge to create an accessible living environment on Inujima Island, fostering community engagement among residents of varying ages.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy adaptation to changing community needs.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Intergenerational spaces promote social interaction among residents.
05
Biodiverse gardens integrated into the layout encourage environmental engagement.

### Inujima Island Housing Development Overview

Located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan, Inujima Island is undergoing architectural development aimed at revitalizing the area, which has been impacted by population decline and an aging demographic. This initiative seeks to create a supportive environment for elderly residents while promoting inclusivity for all ages. By integrating elderly facilities with residential spaces, the project fosters a connected community that reflects the cultural and environmental attributes of the island.

### Spatial Organization and Community Spaces

The project employs strategic zoning and distribution to designate specific areas for residential living, communal amenities, and cultural activities. Key features include the introduction of two housing typologies: Q-House and R-House, which are designed to accommodate modern living standards while respecting traditional Japanese layouts. The Q-House comprises two living modules that align with the local vernacular, focusing on the needs of elderly occupants. In contrast, the R-House emphasizes accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, dedicated spaces for community engagement—such as workshops, gardens, and cultural venues like the Cineauditorium—are positioned to enhance social interaction across generations.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration

A diverse range of materials has been selected for both their aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Timber serves as the primary construction material due to its sustainability and alignment with traditional Japanese architecture. Anodized aluminum panels are utilized for their modern appeal and durability, while wooden framing systems contribute a warm, tactile quality to the living spaces. Channelled shingle wood enhances the roofing's weather resilience and visual character. The design incorporates environmental considerations, leveraging wind analysis to optimize building orientation and natural ventilation, thus reducing energy consumption. Gardens and public areas further promote biodiversity and community interaction with the island's ecosystem.

Each aspect of materiality and design is executed with an understanding of the island's historical context, creating structures that resonate with Inujima's cultural legacy while addressing contemporary living requirements.

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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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