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Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Cooling Solutions in Sustainable Residential Design

Authors:
Michael Mark Vernich, Henry Alexander Marroquin, Mate Thitisawat
Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Cooling Solutions in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and advanced passive cooling techniques, this residential design achieves energy efficiency and community integration while offering a modern living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates a heat stack tower for optimized thermal regulation and air circulation.
03
Features xeriscaping on roof gardens to promote water conservation.
04
Employs 3D printed composites in the structural design for greater efficiency.
05
Integrates gray water recycling systems to minimize resource waste.

### Overview
Located in a climate-sensitive environment, the AZIMUTH project emphasizes sustainable residential architecture with an intent to foster a cohesive community structure. The design is informed by local climatic conditions, integrating both environmental and social factors into the living spaces, thereby promoting energy efficiency and ecological responsibility.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Interaction
The layout consists of a series of interconnected residential units that facilitate social interaction among residents. Central to the design are several key architectural features, including a Heat Stack Tower that enhances thermal regulation through natural ventilation, and a Wind Catcher that optimizes airflow, reducing dependency on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, xeriscape roof gardens serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, contributing to water management and biodiversity, while providing spaces for food cultivation.

### Material and Technological Integration
The project employs a selection of materials carefully chosen for their performance characteristics. Acoustic and insulating panels in the walls enhance thermal efficiency, complemented by solar collectors and retention tanks that maximize solar energy capture. The exterior features 3D printed composites, presenting a modern interpretation of traditional architectural elements while upholding sustainability. The incorporation of smart water systems and photovoltaic panels demonstrates a commitment to energy management and resource conservation, significantly lessening the environmental impact of the development.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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