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Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Energy Define a Modern Sustainable Retreat

Authors:
Egemen Özmen, Melike Özmen, Racİha ÖykÜ Eras
Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Energy Define a Modern Sustainable Retreat

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and powered by solar energy, the residence exemplifies a modern response to sustainable living while seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces for communal engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing both aesthetics and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, optimizing natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes an atmospheric water generator for efficient water sourcing on-site.
05
Equipped with a ground-source heat pump for energy-efficient climate control.

### Architectural Design Project Report

#### Overview

Situated in a climate-sensitive region, the project showcases an integration of aesthetic design and sustainable practices. The architectural concept prioritizes a modern approach to residential living, focusing on open spaces that enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The design employs a clean, minimalist style, characterized by straight lines and a functional layout aimed at promoting community engagement while preserving individual privacy.

#### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The floor plan, with a total area of **197.53 m²** gross and **154.21 m²** net, is purposefully divided into distinct zones: communal areas, semi-private spaces, and private quarters.

- **Communal Areas**: The expansive dining area features a nine-seat table, facilitating family gatherings, while the living area is furnished for comfort, promoting social interaction among residents.

- **Private Quarters**: Positioned away from communal zones, the private areas include three bedrooms, each equipped with integrated bathrooms, ensuring convenience and privacy.

- **Outdoor Integration**: A semi-outdoor patio extends the usable space, enhancing natural light and providing a conducive environment for outdoor activities, complemented by a circular seating arrangement that fosters interaction.

#### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices are fundamental to both performance and design intent.

- **Concrete** offers structural durability, while **natural stone tiles** in flooring create a connection with the environment. **Wood** elements add warmth, and extensive use of **glass** maximizes visual connectivity with outdoor spaces.

The project incorporates several sustainability features, including renewable energy systems such as solar panels optimized for sunlight capture and a Liam F1 wind turbine, which collectively support the household's energy needs. Additionally, water conservation technologies, including an atmospheric water generator and a gray water treatment system, minimize environmental impact. A ground-source heat pump further enhances energy efficiency by regulating temperature with reduced energy consumption.

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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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