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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Timber Create Sustainable Living in Suburban Context

Author:
Saran Kim
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Timber Create Sustainable Living in Suburban Context

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and reclaimed timber, this dwelling integrates sustainable materials and design elements to support caretakers within a growing suburban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using reclaimed timber, reducing environmental impact.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and thermal performance.
04
Designed with ample glazed louvre windows for natural ventilation and daylighting.
05
Includes a rainwater collection system to support sustainable landscaping.

### Architectural Design Report: House for Caretakers of New Suburbs

#### Overview and Context

Located within the Urban Growth Zone of metropolitan Victoria, Australia, the project addresses the pressing challenges associated with new suburban developments characterized by limited infrastructure and community cohesion. The design focuses on creating a dwelling that optimizes spatial use while enhancing ecological interactions in the surrounding environment. The architects emphasize the importance of sustainability, connectivity, and integration with the landscape to ensure a functional and resilient living space.

#### Spatial Efficiency and Form

The architectural approach utilizes a rectangular prism shape to optimize material efficiency and structural integrity. This form addresses microclimatic conditions by manipulating interior volumes to enhance cross-ventilation and maximize natural light, crucial for the Australian climate. The building is oriented east-west, facilitating improved airflow and daylight access. Elevated ceilings contribute to better air circulation while enhancing the overall spatial experience. Strategic placement of openings creates visual and physical connections to the outdoors, fostering a sense of continuity between interior and exterior environments.

#### Sustainable Material Selection

A careful selection of materials underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability and longevity. Key components include insulated roof panels and reclaimed timber for both structural and cladding purposes, which contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. Glazed louvre windows enhance ventilation, while earthen and concrete panel flooring optimize thermal mass and minimize waste. The integration of a heat pump and photovoltaics provides energy-efficient heating, cooling, and solar energy generation. The design includes a greywater recycling system for landscaping, further reducing potable water demands and adapting to seasonal climate variations through passive heating and cooling strategies.

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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
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