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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass: A Modular Response to Urban Housing Needs

Authors:
Romdham Patanavin, Bryan Hikaru Suzuki, Jonathan Adam Harris
Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass: A Modular Response to Urban Housing Needs

Project in-detail

Built with charred wooden shingles and designed to maximize thermal mass, this modular housing solution addresses urban living challenges by offering flexible and sustainable residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient, sustainable building.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space and structural strength.
04
Includes a modular layout allowing for easy relocation and customization.
05
Equipped with integrated rainwater harvesting systems for resource efficiency.

### Overview
The Homeward project addresses contemporary challenges in urban development and residential design across various North American locations. It specifically responds to issues such as climate change, population mobility, and the need for resilient living environments. Through a strategic examination of demographic trends and housing market dynamics, the initiative seeks to promote adaptability and multifaceted utility in residential spaces.

### Design and Materiality
The Homeward initiative utilizes a modular architectural approach that emphasizes flexibility and sustainability. Key materials employed include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, thermal mass elements for energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels. Additional features such as rainwater catchment systems, heat pumps, and composting toilets contribute to environmental sustainability. The modular design allows for efficient assembly and disassembly, making the structures easily transportable and adaptable to varying site conditions.

### Spatial Dynamics and Community Engagement
Interior spaces within the project are designed to be multifunctional, featuring movable walls and adaptable furnishings that allow residents to customize their environments according to evolving needs. Furthermore, the design includes communal areas that foster social interactions among residents, enhancing the community experience. The focus on train accessibility aligns with wider goals of sustainable urban transportation, promoting public transit as a viable means for connecting residents to the wider urban fabric.

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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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