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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Concrete Create Integrated Garden Housing for Retirees

Author:
Muhan Li
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Concrete Create Integrated Garden Housing for Retirees

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles and sustainable concrete, the design integrates vertical gardens and communal spaces to create a supportive housing environment tailored for retirees.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable and efficient construction.
03
Features vertical gardens integrated into the architectural design to promote eco-friendliness.
04
Employs a bent A-frame structure for improved natural light and spatial dynamics.
05
Includes communal spaces specifically designed to foster social interactions among residents.

## Overview
Located in a context conducive to gardening and community engagement, the design of Earth Hug aims to provide sustainable living solutions for retirees. This project prioritizes inclusivity and a respect for nature, reflecting a commitment to creating living spaces that enhance the quality of life. The architectural approach emphasizes a strong connection between built environments and the natural landscape, fostering a sense of community among residents.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout features both communal and private spaces, with interconnected units oriented to optimize natural light and airflow. Central to the design are garden areas that encourage residents to engage with nature while promoting social interaction. These spaces are integral to the overall organization, allowing for an active lifestyle and providing opportunities for residents to participate in gardening and related activities, thereby creating a sense of ownership and community stewardship.

## Sustainability and Materiality
The material palette is deliberately chosen to align with the project’s environmental values. Concrete provides structural integrity, while wood introduces warmth and sensory connection. Glass is extensively used to enhance natural light and visual access to the surroundings. Stone and steel contribute to the robustness and modern aesthetic of the design. The project incorporates sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and natural ventilation strategies, fostering an ecologically sensitive living environment that minimizes the environmental footprint.

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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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