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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Timber Panels in Modular Community Housing

Author:
Jun Ho Lee
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Timber Panels in Modular Community Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a modular community housing solution that emphasizes adaptability and sustainability.
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 structural stability and sustainability.
03
Features a modular design that allows for flexible expansions and adaptations.
04
Integrates aquaponic systems for self-sufficient food production within the living environment.
05
Maximizes natural light through strategically positioned openings in the bent A-frame structure.

### Overview

The "Strong Bones" project represents a significant exploration of sustainable architecture, situated within a landscape that encourages eco-friendly living. The design intent focuses on modular and adaptable construction practices, utilizing deconstructed and reclaimed materials. This approach aligns with the increased emphasis on environmental stewardship and aims to create flexible living solutions that address urban residency needs.

### Materiality and Structural Strategy

A distinctive feature of the "Strong Bones" project is its material selection, which emphasizes reclaimed structural lumber, mechanical connections designed for flexibility, and lightweight framing techniques. Key materials include reclaimed structural lumber, providing ecological benefits while enhancing aesthetic appeal; Dri-Design panels for exterior insulation; Kingspan insulated panels to improve thermal performance; concrete for aquaponics integration; and a steel frame system that bolsters structural integrity. This thoughtful material usage not only shapes the physical character of the project but also aligns with sustainability goals, minimizing waste and promoting reuse throughout the building's life cycle.

### User-Centric Design and Community Engagement

The design of "Strong Bones" prioritizes modular flexibility, allowing residents to customize layouts and systems to fit individual lifestyle needs, thus promoting adaptive living environments. Integrating aquaponics systems encourages self-sustaining food production, enhancing ecological connectivity. The community-centric layouts nurture interaction among residents, addressing urban sprawl while fostering a sense of belonging. Furthermore, the structural framework supports various uses, from residential to commercial settings, promoting versatility and adaptability. The design aims to harmonize with its natural surroundings, utilizing colors and materials that create a tranquil ambiance.

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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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