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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Form Resilient Shelters for Children in Conflict Zones

Authors:
Mian Qin, Dongyu Han, Shuxian Wei, Xiu Wang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Form Resilient Shelters for Children in Conflict Zones

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and insulated panels from recycled materials, these modular shelters provide safe spaces for children navigating the perils of conflict while fostering community connections and resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved fire resistance and durability.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural stability while minimizing weight.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design for optimal wind resistance and efficient water drainage.
04
Designed for rapid assembly, allowing for quick deployment in emergency situations.
05
Focuses on creating safe play areas within modular units to support children's well-being.

## Architectural Design Report: Children Safety Boxes in War

### Overview

The project addresses the humanitarian challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly children, in conflict-affected areas. It proposes a series of modular structures designed to provide immediate safety and support to displaced families in war-torn regions. The intent is to create deployable units that serve not only as shelters but also as community hubs, fostering resilience in the wake of destruction.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Interaction

The layout of the safety boxes is meticulously planned to enhance community interaction while prioritizing individual safety. A distribution diagram illustrates a network of units that facilitate accessibility and cohesion among users. Designated safety zones are incorporated, offering children recognizable points of refuge in chaotic environments. The proposed master plan interconnects the safety boxes, utilizing contrasting bright elements to symbolize hope and inspire community rebuilding in previously devastated areas.

### Materiality and Construction

Durable materials have been strategically selected to ensure the units can withstand environmental stresses and hazards. The design includes the use of steel for structural integrity, insulated panels for thermal regulation, and an emphasis on locally sourced or recycled materials to promote sustainability. The modular nature of the components supports rapid assembly, enabling quick deployment in response to urgent needs in crisis situations. This thoughtful approach to materiality aligns with the project's focus on safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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