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Charred Wooden Shingles and Textured Concrete Create a Shelter Harmonizing with Nature

Authors:
Duarte Franco Da Rosa, Ana Sofia Martins, Margarida Alexandra Matos Bessa
Charred Wooden Shingles and Textured Concrete Create a Shelter Harmonizing with Nature
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Emphasizing charred wooden shingles and a textured concrete façade, the design seamlessly integrates with the landscape while providing a functional living space that prioritizes sustainability and environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while blending with the natural setting.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural support and thermal efficiency.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior volume while reducing material waste.
04
Large, strategically placed windows optimize natural light and connectivity to the landscape.
05
The eco-focused approach utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.

## Analytical Report on Mole House

### Project Overview

Mole House is an architectural residential design situated in an unspecified geographical location. The design philosophy centers on the interplay between contemporary living and the natural environment, addressing evolving climatic conditions while fostering a connection to nature. The structure is conceived as a robust and adaptable entity that maintains harmony with its landscape, prioritizing environmental sustainability and promoting a lifestyle that is sensitive to the surrounding ecology.

### Spatial Arrangement and Functionality

The spatial organization of Mole House is designed to enhance flow and functionality while maintaining an intimate atmosphere. The primary zones include a flexible living and working area, an efficient cooking space that overlooks the outdoors, and a sleeping area strategically distanced from more active zones. Hallways and an atrium facilitate transitions throughout the home, allowing natural light to pervade and ensuring connections between the various spaces while upholding privacy. The front porch serves as an inviting threshold, integrating outdoor and indoor living and encouraging social interaction.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a crucial role in both the aesthetic and functional aspects of Mole House. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, supporting expansive open spaces while ensuring stability. The exterior features a natural textured finish that resonates with the local landscape, while large glass windows enhance natural lighting and views, effectively merging interior and exterior realms. The use of wood in interior finishes offers warmth and tactile comfort. By employing locally sourced materials and passive solar design strategies, Mole House minimizes its environmental impact, aligning with contemporary sustainability efforts and promoting the well-being of its inhabitants.

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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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