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Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Solar Design in a Residential Landscape Integration

Authors:
Yufan Liu, Chun Zhou, Yi Yang, Song Zhang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Passive Solar Design in a Residential Landscape Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and large glass openings, the design emphasizes passive solar strategies to create a harmonious living environment connected to the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural sustainability and energy efficiency.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to maximize solar exposure and natural light.
04
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to promote environmental sustainability.
05
Engages outdoor living through seamless transitions between indoor spaces and landscaped terraces.

### Overview

"Le Cadran Solaire," or "The Solar Dial," is an architectural project designed to foster a connection between occupants and their natural surroundings. The layout prioritizes the interplay of spatial dynamics and light, creating an environment that promotes harmony with the daily rhythms of nature. The design approach emphasizes fluidity between interior and exterior spaces, utilizing natural light and efficient spatial organization to enhance user experience.

### Spatial Configuration and Connectivity

The architectural layout features a strategic organization of both the first and ground floors to facilitate movement and interaction among different living areas. The first floor showcases an open plan that encourages airiness while allowing for privacy through thoughtful partitioning. Dedicated spaces cater to a variety of activities, from family gatherings to solitary reflection. The ground floor emphasizes connectivity with the outdoor environment through patios and open terraces, creating a seamless relationship between indoor and outdoor living.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The project employs a carefully curated material palette that balances aesthetic appeal with ecological sensitivity. Key materials include timber for structural elements, which provide warmth; expansive glass windows that maximize natural light and views; durable concrete with soft finishes; subtle stone elements for tactile connection; and lightweight steel to support architectural features without overwhelming the design. This intentional selection reflects an approach that not only supports structural integrity but also enhances the integration of the built environment with its natural context. The design further considers solar orientation, optimizing natural light and thermal comfort while promoting effective rainwater management through angled rooflines.

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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
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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