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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable SIPs Define Compact Urban Living Solution

Author:
Dilyana Anatolieva Mihova
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable SIPs Define Compact Urban Living Solution

Project in-detail

Featuring charred wooden shingles and structural insulated panels, this compact urban dwelling provides an adaptable living space designed for sustainability and efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for exterior durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates structural insulated panels for enhanced energy efficiency and insulation.
03
Features a modular interior layout that adapts to varying space requirements.
04
Includes rooftop gardens to promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure for optimal space utilization and aesthetic appeal.
The Micro-Macro House is an architectural project designed to address the rising demand for affordable housing in urban settings. This project focuses on maximizing livable space through efficient design, promoting sustainable living while catering to the needs of modern urban residents. The Micro-Macro House is framed as both a solution to housing shortages and a model for community-oriented living.

The architecture employs a compact design, effectively utilizing approximately 25 square meters. Functionality is prioritized, enabling these dwellings to serve versatile purposes for individuals and small families. Interior spaces are modular, allowing for configuration changes depending on inhabitants' requirements, providing areas for sleeping, working, and socializing within a limited footprint.

Sustainable building practices form the core of the design ethos. The project utilizes renewable materials and integrates green technologies, promoting environmental consciousness throughout the structure. Key materials utilized include:

1. QuadCore KS1000RW LEC Roof Panel
2. QuadCore AWP LEC Wall Panel
3. Kingspan TEK Cladding Panel
4. Cooltherm K7 Roof Insulation
5. Plasterboard

These materials contribute to the building's energy efficiency, ensuring optimal thermal performance. The use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) minimizes energy consumption while enhancing durability. Solar energy harnessing features, including rooftop solar panels, allow residents to engage in self-sufficient energy use.

The integration of green spaces into the architectural framework also differentiates this project from typical housing developments. The design incorporates roof gardens and small agricultural plots that support biodiversity and improve air quality. This connection to nature is vital for fostering a sense of community and well-being among residents.

What makes the Micro-Macro House particularly relevant in contemporary architecture is its dual focus on micro-living and macro sustainability. While many housing projects prioritize size and density, this design emphasizes adaptability and personalization, catering to the unique lifestyles of urban dwellers. The emphasis on modular spaces allows for individual expression within a shared context.

Prospective residents can explore the architectural plans to understand better the spatial organization and innovative design strategies employed. Architectural sections further illustrate how this project balances privacy with communal interactions, enhancing the overall quality of life for its occupants. Through its thoughtful design, the Micro-Macro House serves as a pertinent example of how architecture can address the pressing issues of affordable housing while prioritizing environmental sustainability. To delve deeper into this project’s architectural ideas and design specifics, readers are encouraged to review the available presentation materials.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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