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Charred Wooden Shingles and Quadcore Panels in a Sustainable Community Habitat

Author:
Aizhana Taalaibekova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Quadcore Panels in a Sustainable Community Habitat

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and energy-efficient QuadCore panels, the design creates a sustainable living environment that supports ecological restoration efforts in a rural community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved strength and insulation.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural light.
04
Designed with modular living units for flexibility in occupancy and function.
05
Surrounding gardens promote local food production and ecological education.

## Overview

Located in a remote rural setting, the Forest Regenerating House is an architectural response to environmental challenges such as deforestation and urban sprawl. The design aims to provide a living space conducive to the needs of families and individuals engaged in forest restoration efforts. By integrating sustainable practices into its conception, the structure serves as a supportive environment for community members involved in ecological initiatives.

## Structural Configuration

The layout consists of interconnected modules that facilitate diverse functions while promoting social interaction. Key design features include:

- **Open Living Spaces**: These areas are designed to encourage community interaction while ensuring personal privacy, with large windows that optimize natural light and provide views of the surrounding forest.
- **Gardening Areas**: Surrounding the dwelling, designated plots for vegetable and flower gardens underscore the importance of local food production and enhance residents’ connection to nature.
- **Raised Platforms**: These elements improve structural stability on uneven terrains and create visual harmony with the forest landscape.

## Biophilic Integration

The project emphasizes biophilic principles, fostering a connection between inhabitants and their natural environment. The extensive use of natural light, the inclusion of interior plants, and strategic sightlines to outdoor vistas reinforce this connection. Active measures have been taken to orient the house to leverage passive heating and cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems for climate control. These design elements collectively enhance user experience and promote sustainability while nurturing community resilience and biodiversity.

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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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