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Charred Wooden Shingles and Photovoltaics Enhance Compact Community Living

Author:
Barbara Valverde Filgueiras
Charred Wooden Shingles and Photovoltaics Enhance Compact Community Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this compact community design not only maximizes resource efficiency through renewable technologies but also fosters social interaction among residents in a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and insulation.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame design maximizing vertical space.
04
Integrates renewable energy solutions, including rooftop photovoltaic panels.
05
Includes communal gardens to promote local food production and social interaction.

### Overview

Located in a densely populated urban area, the project addresses the forthcoming housing shortages anticipated to impact 1.6 billion individuals globally by 2025. The design prioritizes the development of micro-homes that facilitate the creation of secure and dignified communities, emphasizing sustainable living practices in response to growing urbanization.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The project's spatial organization centers on a square floor plan that facilitates functional living experiences while minimizing the need for frequent reconfigurations. High ceilings enhance the perception of space and support features such as solar energy systems, maximizing natural light through strategically placed windows. Communal spaces are a key aspect, designed to promote social interaction among residents. Homes are oriented around shared amenities like gardens and recreational areas, fostering a sense of community while preserving individual privacy through thoughtful unit placement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives

Selecting materials is crucial for achieving sustainability and operational efficiency. Photovoltaic panels on rooftops provide solar energy, while rainwater harvesting systems capture and store water, reducing reliance on external sources. Light-colored surface finishes enhance natural light reflection within the interiors, creating a bright ambiance, and low-flow fixtures are integrated to reduce water consumption. The project also includes waste management solutions, such as designated recycling and composting areas, and promotes community horticulture to support local food production, reinforcing a commitment to environmental stewardship.

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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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