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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Coastal Housing

Authors:
Azadeh Kazeranizadeh, Kiyana Khalili
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Coastal Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and passive ventilation methods, this sustainable housing project enhances community interaction while accommodating diverse residential needs in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features passive ventilation systems utilizing strategically placed windcatchers.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Includes a central courtyard designed to foster communal activities and connections.
05
Employs prefabrication methods to streamline construction and minimize waste.

## Project Overview

Located in an urban setting, the Garden House project addresses challenges related to affordable housing through thoughtful design, community integration, and sustainability. The initiative aims to create living environments that not only fulfill housing needs but also foster social interactions among residents, thereby contributing positively to the surrounding neighborhood.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial layout incorporates interconnected clusters of residential units, comprising one, two, and three-bedroom apartments designed to accommodate diverse family sizes. This arrangement cultivates privacy while promoting connectivity through shared communal areas, including a central courtyard that serves as the heart of community engagement. This semi-private space supports various activities and functions, encouraging meaningful interactions among occupants and reinforcing community ties.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

The choice of materials is integral to the project's sustainability objectives and aesthetic considerations. Timber studs provide a natural finish and structural integrity, while cultivated green elements integrated into the façade enhance natural ventilation and promote biodiversity. Durable pre-cast concrete is employed for structural components, alongside perforated metal sheets that manage light and ambience.

Sustainability is further emphasized through features such as green roofs, which assist in stormwater management and energy conservation, and passive heating and ventilation strategies that leverage natural airflow and solar exposure to minimize reliance on mechanical systems. Additionally, windcatchers are incorporated to facilitate passive cooling and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment while promoting energy efficiency.

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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
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