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Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Integration in a Versatile Family Residence

Authors:
Aziz Haroun, Eujenny Istanboulia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Solar Integration in a Versatile Family Residence

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and solar energy features, this family residence emphasizes sustainability and adaptability through its thoughtful design and versatile living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a bent A-frame design that enhances structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for both durability and fire resistance.
03
Features large, operable glass panels to promote natural ventilation and daylighting.
04
Integrates a solar power system tailored to meet the household's energy needs.
05
Employs rainwater harvesting solutions to reduce water consumption and promote sustainability.

### Overview and Concept Development

The House of the Future embodies a contemporary approach to residential architecture, designed to meet the evolving needs of families while prioritizing comfort, functionality, and sustainability. Located within an undefined geographic context, the design redefines the home as a supportive space that nurtures family relationships and promotes well-being. The project integrates technological advancements, ensuring that living spaces are adaptable and conducive to modern lifestyles.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Layout

The architectural design is meticulously structured across multiple levels, ensuring an efficient distribution of spaces that cater to various family activities.

**Ground Floor:** The entrance is multifunctional, leading into expansive living and dining areas that facilitate connection to the kitchen and outdoor gardens. The kitchen features contemporary amenities designed for both social interaction and culinary functions, seamlessly linking to outdoor spaces that encourage recreational activities.

**First Floor:** This level includes a master suite with en-suite facilities and private balconies, along with additional bedrooms designed for privacy and practicality. A family lounge serves as a central space for relaxation and interaction.

**Second Floor:** The upper level allows for flexibility in use, accommodating future modifications for guest rooms or expanded family needs. The adaptable layouts can respond to changing dynamics, ensuring long-term usability.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials significantly enhances the design's functionality and environmental consciousness. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while ceramic tiles and stone finishes contribute to durability and maintenance ease. Large aluminum-framed glass panels promote natural light and visual connectivity to the outdoors, complemented by warm wooden accents.

The project emphasizes sustainable practices through features such as a solar power system that reduces energy costs, a rainwater harvesting system for non-potable uses, and smart home automation for energy management. These elements collectively align with principles of environmental stewardship and energy efficiency, highlighting a commitment to sustainable living.

### Innovative Features

The design incorporates a harmonious circulation strategy, allowing for effortless movement throughout the home. Smart home technologies integrate across various functionalities, enhancing user experience while reinforcing energy conservation and security. Outdoor and indoor spaces are thoughtfully interconnected, creating an inviting atmosphere that fosters tranquility and connection with nature.

Future adaptability is a key consideration, enabling residents to modify or expand their living spaces with ease as their needs change over time.

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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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