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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Elements in Flexible Urban Housing Solutions

Author:
Laurence Dragomir
Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Elements in Flexible Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and prefabricated elements, this urban housing solution offers adaptable living spaces designed to seamlessly integrate with the demands of a modern lifestyle.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and reduced waste.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates passive ventilation systems for improved air quality and energy efficiency.
05
Includes adaptable work-life pods that promote flexible living environments.

### Overview

The PO_CO project aims to address the urgent challenges associated with urban housing, particularly in light of increasing population pressures and socioeconomic shifts. With urban areas anticipated to house a significant portion of the global population by 2050, this initiative is a proactive response to the rising demands for affordable, flexible, and sustainable living environments, influenced heavily by the shifts in lifestyle brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The design incorporates a modular layout that promotes interaction while ensuring privacy, enabling residents to adapt their living spaces for both personal and professional use. Thoughtful arrangements of living areas, kitchens, and workspaces enhance natural light and ventilation, which are essential for maintaining comfort in compact urban environments. A notable design feature is the “work-life pod,” which allows for spatial separation without the constraints of traditional walls, fostering adaptability in the home office setting. The strategic incorporation of transparent and semi-transparent materials enhances openness, encouraging a sense of community while preserving individual privacy.

### Sustainable Practices and Materiality

Sustainability is integral to the project's concept, with a focus on using eco-friendly materials throughout the structure. Durable concrete provides necessary thermal mass, while prefabricated cladding panels facilitate efficient assembly and minimize waste. Interior finishing utilizes engineered wood, balancing aesthetics with sustainability. Energy-efficient systems, including solar panels, support renewable energy use, while passive design strategies optimize cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Rainwater harvesting capabilities further contribute to the project's holistic approach to environmental stewardship. These design elements not only prioritize environmental concerns but also enhance the overall well-being of occupants through improved air quality and access to natural light.

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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

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