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Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Define an Ecological Embrace in Scenic Waterfront Living

Authors:
Sukmin Cho, Yunseong Choi, Dayel Kim, Jongbo Jeong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Thermal Mass Define an Ecological Embrace in Scenic Waterfront Living

Project in-detail

Characterized by charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design elevates waterfront living while maintaining a strong commitment to ecological sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and views.
04
Elevated construction reduces environmental impact on the landscape.
05
Native plant integration supports local biodiversity and ecological balance.

### Project Overview
Located within a lush landscape characterized by dense vegetation and waterways, the design emphasizes ecological sustainability and interaction with nature. The intent is to create a structure that harmonizes with its environment while fostering communal engagement and individual exploration within a tranquil setting.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout features a geometric arrangement that balances symmetry and asymmetry, reflecting the natural contours of the site. Open terraces and private nooks are incorporated to accommodate a variety of activities, supporting both social interaction and personal contemplation. Elevated design strategies minimize land disturbance and provide observation points for local wildlife, enhancing user engagement with the environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A careful selection of materials reinforces the project's themes of sustainability and integration with nature. Wood is utilized for its warmth and reduced carbon footprint, while concrete offers durability for foundational elements. Large glass sections facilitate transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces, flooding interiors with natural light, and enhancing the ambiance. Additionally, metal components are incorporated for structural integrity, and natural landscaping strategies leverage native plants to promote local biodiversity. The design also includes rainwater collection systems, natural ventilation, and passive solar orientation, underscoring the commitment to environmental stewardship.

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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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