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Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Glazing Integrate Affordable Modular Housing Solutions

Authors:
Thanh Vo Trung, Linh Nguyen Vu, Diep Ngo Thi Hong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Glazing Integrate Affordable Modular Housing Solutions
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and solar glazing, this modular housing development provides an environmentally sensitive solution to affordable living in Sydney's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates solar glazing to enhance energy efficiency and natural light.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels, promoting structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Includes flexible layouts designed to adapt to changing resident needs.
05
Integrates communal spaces to foster neighborhood interaction and enhance community ties.

### Overview

Located in the Ultimo and Pyrmont neighborhoods of Sydney, this modular housing project responds to the urgent need for affordable housing in a city facing significant challenges related to housing accessibility, urban sprawl, and population growth. The site is surrounded by a mix of commercial buildings and high-density residential units, making it an opportune location for integrating affordable living spaces with active community engagement. The design seeks to address these pressing issues by blending practical architectural strategies with a focus on sustainability.

### Spatial Strategy and Flexibility

The architectural concept employs a modular design that allows for the creation of diversified living units tailored to a range of family sizes. Inspired by a modular play system, the design presents three distinct types of dwelling units: single inhabitant, couple, and family-sized apartments. The vertically stacked arrangement not only maximizes the use of limited space but also fosters community interactions by promoting diverse housing formats within the same structure. Each module is designed with adaptability in mind, featuring layouts that can be easily reorganized to suit changing occupants' needs.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Durability and energy efficiency are at the forefront of material choices for this housing development. The primary structural component is concrete, chosen for its strength and longevity. Glass façades are incorporated to enhance natural lighting and reduce dependence on artificial illumination. A unique feature includes solar panel glass designed to cover over 80% of the façade, significantly contributing to the project's sustainability goals. Additionally, a water management system is implemented, including stormwater harvesting and wastewater treatment facilities, promoting responsible use of resources. The design also facilitates natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems and further enhancing energy efficiency.

The thoughtful combination of robust materials and strategic design elements fosters a cohesive living environment, supporting both individual needs and community-oriented engagement within a sustainable framework.

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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.

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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

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