Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Framework in Multifunctional Community Housing Solution

Authors:
Iara Soares De Almeida, Gabriel Goncalves Lima De Melo, Paola Resende Galvao , Duarte Nuno Da Silva Amaral
Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Framework in Multifunctional Community Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a steel frame, the design offers a modular and sustainable housing solution that emphasizes community resilience in Rio de Janeiro's challenging topography.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and construction waste.
03
Features a modular design, allowing for quick assembly and adaptability to site conditions.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainable water management.
05
Includes communal spaces strategically placed to foster social interaction among residents.

## Overview

Morada Rocinha is a housing project located in the Rocinha community of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, designed to address the unique challenges posed by its topography and socio-economic context. The project responds to the issues of landslide risk in this densely populated area by emphasizing safety and resilience while also preserving cultural identity amidst urban pressures. The analysis focuses on the project's design principles, material choices, and its contextual significance within urban favelas.

## Structural Innovation and Material Choices

The design utilizes prefabricated materials to enhance construction efficiency and sustainability. Key elements include the Kingspan LEC steel frame system, which offers structural integrity with a low carbon footprint, and Kingspan QuadCore insulated panels that provide high thermal performance. Additional features include solar panels for renewable energy, rainwater harvesting systems for water management, and biodegradable sewage treatment to minimize environmental impact. This selection of materials supports a flexible grid system, allowing for adaptive solutions to site conditions while aligning with the project’s sustainability objectives.

## Spatial Organization and Community Integration

The spatial arrangement within Morada Rocinha incorporates four defined zones: a kitchen and dining area, a workplace, a bedroom, and a bathroom. This configuration enhances privacy without sacrificing openness and promotes social interaction through communal gathering spaces positioned among housing units. The elevated design facilitates distinct environmental conditions within a compact layout, improving living standards and accommodating the diverse needs of residents. Additionally, the project includes a cultural center aimed at fostering engagement and education, reinforcing social cohesion in the community. The modular design model proposed allows for potential replication in similar urban contexts facing related challenges.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy