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Charred Wooden Shingles and QuadCore Panels in Compact Housing Solution for Disaster Resilience

Authors:
Josh Self, Brooke Isabella Fouladgar, James Norwood-young
Charred Wooden Shingles and QuadCore Panels in Compact Housing Solution for Disaster Resilience

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and QuadCore panels, this compact housing solution is designed for resilience in disaster-prone areas, ensuring safety and sustainability for its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced fire resistance and durability.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, promoting efficient construction and sustainability.
03
Features an adaptable bent A-frame design to optimize structural stability in extreme weather.
04
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system for efficient water management.
05
Includes a distress signal system to enhance community safety during emergencies.

## Overview

Located in areas vulnerable to natural disasters, the Micro Home project addresses challenges posed by climate change through sustainable and resilient architectural design. This initiative employs modular building methods, focusing on adaptability and the lifecycle of materials to create efficient housing solutions. The goal is to provide practical and safe living environments for communities affected by disasters, while promoting stability before and after such events.

## Resilient Design Strategies

The Micro Home emphasizes resilience, specifically engineered to withstand environmental stressors such as hurricanes and flooding. The project integrates a compact layout, featuring a ground-level living area and an upper mezzanine for sleeping quarters. This spatial configuration maximizes functional space while ensuring comfort and accessibility. Key elements include a designated living area that fosters interaction and a kitchen designed for essential amenities.

### Innovative Material Selection

The use of advanced materials is critical to the Micro Home's performance and sustainability. Notable components include lightweight QuadCore wall and roof panels that provide insulation and weatherproofing, and laminated safety glass to ensure durability and maximize natural light. Structural elements such as cross-bracing systems enhance integrity during extreme weather conditions, while on-site hydroponic systems and solar panels promote self-sufficiency and resource conservation.

## Technological Enhancements

The integration of technology into the Micro Home underscores its commitment to safety and sustainability. A distress signal system alerts residents to emergencies, facilitating timely evacuations. Additionally, rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems enhance water conservation, making the habitat viable in resource-scarce situations. An emergency power wall ensures continuity of essential services during crises, contributing to the overall reliability of the living environment.

### Adaptive Features

The design includes adjustable elements, such as an entrance ladder that accommodates varying ground levels to maintain accessibility and safety. Elevated foundations are implemented to mitigate flood risks, preventing water intrusion into living spaces. These adaptive design solutions not only enhance functionality but also address specific environmental challenges faced by the residents.

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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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