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Charred Wooden Shingles and Photovoltaic Integration in Sustainable Community Housing

Authors:
Marcin Piątek, Michał Sakowski, Łukasz Pawłuś
Charred Wooden Shingles and Photovoltaic Integration in Sustainable Community Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and photovoltaic panels, the design enhances energy efficiency while fostering a community-centric living environment in Poznan, Poland.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced weather resistance and a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction time while offering structural stability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes space usage and enhances natural light penetration.
04
Integrated photovoltaic panels contribute to the project's energy self-sufficiency.
05
Communal outdoor areas are designed to foster social interaction among residents.

The architectural design project known as MACROPRISM is located in Poznan, Poland. This initiative showcases a focused commitment to sustainability through a design that emphasizes both individual living spaces and communal interaction. The architecture encapsulates the essence of modern ecological practices while allowing for varied user experiences. The project effectively integrates into its urban context, promoting a balance of private and public functionalities.

Community-Centric Living Spaces

The design of MACROPRISM centers around adaptability and community engagement. Its architectural layout comprises angular forms that not only serve aesthetic purposes but also facilitate efficient use of space. Each unit is crafted to support different functions, whether for private living, working, or socializing, catering to diverse resident needs. Central to its design is an emphasis on shared spaces, which encourage social interaction among residents while allowing for personal privacy.

A notable feature of this project is the effective utilization of natural elements. Large glass panels enhance natural lighting within the spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere. The integration of outdoor areas, including communal gardens and gathering spots, fosters a sense of community and enhances residents' quality of life. The project’s landscaping blends seamlessly with its architecture, allowing for a unified and immersive living environment.

Innovative Materials and Sustainability

MACROPRISM employs a range of materials that reinforce its sustainable ethos. The predominant use of wood, specifically locally sourced timber, aligns with environmental values while contributing to the thermal efficiency of the structures. This material choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reflects a commitment to renewable practices.

The incorporation of photovoltaic panels on sloped roofs serves a dual purpose. They generate renewable energy while complementing the architectural design through their strategic placement. Additionally, the project includes recycled materials wherever possible, further reducing its environmental footprint.

An essential hallmark of the design approach is the integration of passive solar principles. The orientation and layout of buildings maximize solar gain, contributing to energy efficiency throughout the year. This thoughtful consideration of the environmental context demonstrates an advanced understanding of sustainable architecture.

Engagement with Urban Context

MACROPRISM actively engages with its urban surroundings by analyzing local climate conditions and geographical features. The design considers sun orientation and topography to ensure both functionality and aesthetic harmony within the broader urban landscape. The juxtaposition of the contemporary design with the traditional context of Poznan highlights a careful balance between innovation and historic awareness.

The approach highlights the project's commitment to reducing carbon emissions through high-energy efficiency systems and sustainable practices. This fosters an architectural dialogue that respects both the environment and the inhabitants’ needs.

For more detailed insights into the MACROPRISM project, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, consider exploring a comprehensive presentation of the project. This will provide a deeper understanding of the innovative solutions applied and the architectural concepts that define this unique initiative.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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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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