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Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar-Integrated Design in A Modular Living Environment

Authors:
Rutuja Atre, Fahmida Ahmed
Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar-Integrated Design in A Modular Living Environment

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by solar integration, the design offers a flexible and customizable living environment that promotes sustainability while catering to diverse lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for their structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
A flexible modular layout allows homeowners to customize the configuration based on their lifestyle needs.
04
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the bent A-frame design for energy efficiency.
05
Vegetated wall systems contribute to improved air quality while providing a unique aesthetic element.
The Modular Living project represents a contemporary approach to residential architecture, emphasizing adaptability, sustainability, and user engagement in the home-building process. This architectural design embodies the essence of flexible living by offering a range of modular housing components that cater to diverse lifestyles and spatial needs. By facilitating customization, this project allows homeowners to tailor their living environments to suit their preferences, whether they are single professionals, families, or groups of roommates.

Functionally, the Modular Living project serves as a versatile housing solution adaptable to various geographical contexts, including urban, suburban, and rural settings throughout Canada. The design's modular components can be assembled in numerous configurations, providing a unique opportunity for residents to curate their personal spaces. This modular nature encourages practical approaches to living that align with each homeowner's distinct lifestyle. The layout promotes effective use of space, encouraging communal interactions while ensuring privacy through carefully arranged living quarters.

Key elements of the architectural design include the use of sustainable materials such as timber, glass, insulated panels, and vegetated wall systems. Timber is a primary material for framing and siding, chosen not only for its aesthetic warmth but also for its renewable properties, contributing to the project’s sustainability focus. Large glass windows and skylights are integrated to maximize sunlight and minimize energy consumption, bolstering the home’s energy efficiency. The insulated panels are crucial in maintaining consistent internal temperatures, which further enhances the overall efficiency of the home.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The emphasis on do-it-yourself construction enhances homeowner agency, encouraging individuals to engage directly in the building process. This approach reduces dependency on professional contractors and lowers construction costs, making homeownership more accessible. Furthermore, the project includes features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, which collectively contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle by allowing residents to harness local resources for energy and water needs.

The inclusion of green infrastructure, like vegetated walls, not only improves air quality but also integrates the built environment with nature, creating a healthier living space. These living walls can provide both aesthetic value and functional uses, such as growing food, making the concept of urban gardening distinctly viable even in compact layouts.

The interior spaces of the Modular Living project are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for reconfiguration as the inhabitants' needs evolve over time. Whether accommodating a growing family or providing independent living spaces for roommates, the design supports various lifestyle changes seamlessly. The option to adjust interior walls enables customization that reflects personal tastes and preferences, illustrating the project's core belief in individual expression through architecture.

Overall, the Modular Living project stands as a thoughtful embodiment of modern architectural practices that prioritize sustainability, adaptability, and user involvement. It encourages a shift in how spaces are perceived, moving away from traditional static designs to a more dynamic and responsive framework for living. To delve deeper into the intricacies of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for more detailed insights and comprehensive understanding of this innovative architectural endeavor.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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