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Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Units For Community Living Surrounded by Northern Landscapes

Author:
Allison Righi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Modular Units For Community Living Surrounded by Northern Landscapes

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and modular units, this community living initiative emphasizes sustainability and connection to the Northern landscape while providing adaptable residential spaces for shared experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features modular units designed for flexible reconfiguration based on guest needs.
04
Employs piezoelectric components to harness energy from wind vibrations.
05
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to enhance aesthetic appeal and spatial efficiency.

# Architectural Design Report: Community Immersion Project

## Project Overview

Located in a region renowned for its breathtaking display of the Northern Lights, this design seeks to integrate human habitation with the surrounding natural landscape. The intent is to create an immersive retreat that provides guests not only with the comforts of home but also a strong sense of community and connection to nature. The approach emphasizes modular living structures that promote interaction, accessibility, and individual comfort.

### Community-Oriented Design

The design incorporates modular guest units and communal spaces, creating an adaptable living environment that caters to varying group sizes and individual needs. This configuration is intended to foster a sense of belonging among visitors while ensuring privacy through strategic spatial organization. A central community hub serves as a focal point for social activities and shared experiences, featuring a lounge area with expansive windows that showcase stunning views of the night sky, along with a dining area crafted for group interaction. Common amenities, such as a sauna and hot tub, enhance the overall guest experience and encourage relaxation.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

### Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a core principle in the material choices made for this project. The use of locally sourced wood for structural elements provides a warm aesthetic while maintaining a connection to the natural environment. Large glass windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light and views of the Northern Lights, thereby reinforcing the connection to the outdoors. Innovative features, such as piezoelectric components that convert wind vibrations into electricity and rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water supply, further demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.

### Structural Elements

The modular units are designed to be reconfigurable, utilizing wheels for mobility and adaptability. This flexible structure is complemented by a hexagonal layout, optimizing space usage and harmonizing with the landscape. Each unit is positioned to maximize privacy and provide unobstructed views of the celestial displays, ensuring that the natural beauty of the surroundings is an integral part of the living experience.

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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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