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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Wood Define a Sustainable Urban Community Housing Solution

Authors:
Xintong Cai, Zhiyun Feng, Tianhui Feng
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Wood Define a Sustainable Urban Community Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and reclaimed wood, the design creates a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and sustainability within an urban community housing setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing material usage.
04
Integrates green roof elements to promote biodiversity and improve energy efficiency.
05
Includes modular community spaces designed for flexible use and social interaction.

Located in an urban environment characterized by diverse architectural styles, the project seeks to enhance the functionality and aesthetic quality of the space. The design intent focuses on fostering community interaction while providing a welcoming atmosphere for occupants. The integration of the structure within its context emphasizes a respectful dialogue with the surrounding buildings, ensuring that the new addition complements rather than competes with its neighbors.

**Spatial Organization**
The design employs a modular spatial strategy that prioritizes flexibility and adaptability for various uses. Open-plan layouts are complemented by strategically placed partitions, allowing for both communal activities and private functions. Natural light permeates the interior spaces through expansive windows and carefully positioned skylights, enhancing the overall user experience while minimizing reliance on artificial lighting. Circulation paths are optimized to encourage movement and connection among different areas, fostering a sense of community among users.

**Material Selection**
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to durability and sustainability. Local materials are utilized to reduce transportation impacts, while selections incorporate elements that promote thermal efficiency. The exterior features a combination of textured finishes, providing both visual interest and functional benefits such as weather resistance. Inside, finishes are selected for their low-maintenance properties, contributing to the longevity of the interior with an emphasis on user comfort and well-being. The integration of greenery and biophilic elements within the design further enhances the connection to the natural environment, contributing to a holistic approach to modern living.

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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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