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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Shape a Compact Community Living Space

Author:
Erik Vodenik
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Shape a Compact Community Living Space

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and recycled materials, the microhouse redefines compact living by fostering community while maximizing space efficiency and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Employs modular construction techniques for flexibility and easy scalability.
05
Includes shared outdoor spaces to promote community interaction and engagement.

### Project Overview
The Microhouse in Microinsula is strategically situated to address the increasing demand for efficient housing solutions within community contexts. This architectural design emphasizes micro-living principles, aiming to promote sustainability and modularity while integrating residential spaces into their surroundings. The design reflects contemporary aesthetics, offering adaptability to diverse geographical environments.

### Spatial Configuration
The microhouse is organized in a distinctive "L" shape, characterized by a steep gable roof that facilitates effective rainwater management. Inside, the layout includes essential living spaces, such as a living room, kitchen, dining area, bathroom, and a multipurpose attic, all designed to maximize usability within a minimal footprint. The modularity of the project allows for scaling, enabling the clustering of microhomes to enhance community living. Shared communal areas foster social interactions while maintaining individual privacy, creating a balanced residential experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes a commitment to sustainable building practices through the use of carefully selected materials. Key components include recycled wood products for structural and external finishes, plaster facades that enhance thermal performance, and high-efficiency thermal insulation. A combination of steel and wood framing provides durability and design flexibility, while lightweight Kingspan panels are utilized in roofing for structural integrity. Concrete elements add stability and longevity to the overall construction. This material selection not only aims to minimize environmental impact but also contributes to a heightened living experience that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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