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Charred Wooden Shingles and Rigid Insulation Create an Energy-Efficient Family Home

Author:
David Dardzinski
Charred Wooden Shingles and Rigid Insulation Create an Energy-Efficient Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and rigid insulation, this energy-efficient residence achieves superior thermal regulation while accommodating a family of four in a thoughtfully organized living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and low maintenance.
02
Incorporates a Heat Energy Battery for effective thermal regulation.
03
Utilizes rigid insulation panels to enhance energy efficiency throughout the year.
04
Features an adaptable loft space with Murphy beds for versatile functionality.
05
Designed with a south-facing orientation to maximize passive solar gain.

## Overview

The Low Energy Requirement House (L.E.R.) is situated in an environmentally sensitive area that benefits from abundant sunlight, emphasizing energy efficiency and adaptability within its design. The structure is oriented facing south at a 15-degree angle to optimize solar gain, aligning with the principles of passive solar architecture while targeting a net area of 2,568 square feet for effective residential use. This design addresses current challenges of climate change, sustainability, and affordability in housing.

### Energy Management and Sustainability

Central to the L.E.R. house is the integration of a Heat Energy Battery (HEB), which facilitates energy storage from renewable sources, including solar power. This system effectively manages internal air quality and temperature, often negating the requirement for conventional heating and cooling systems. By doing so, it ensures a consistent comfort level in the spaces throughout varying weather conditions. Additionally, the home incorporates a rainwater harvesting system that reuses collected water for irrigation and other secondary applications, further underlining its commitment to sustainable resource management.

## Materiality and Spatial Organization

The choice of materials emphasizes both efficiency and aesthetic appeal, with primary structural elements comprising wooden components such as 2x6 stud walls and 2x8 floor joists, reinforced by rigid insulation panels for thermal performance. The exterior finishes include wooden siding that enhances insulation while maintaining a contemporary design.

The spatial layout is designed to maximize functionality and livability, exemplified by an open floor plan that facilitates interaction across the kitchen, living, and sanitation areas. A multifunctional loft area incorporates adaptable features like Murphy beds to optimize space usage. Kitchen and bath areas are strategically positioned to minimize plumbing costs while ensuring operational efficiency, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to both design and utility.

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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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