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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Frame Crafting Resilient Island Living

Authors:
Audrey Eliane Bernadette Provost, Maxime Vadon
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Frame Crafting Resilient Island Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a robust timber frame, this modular microhome addresses the challenges of island living while ensuring functionality and sustainability in a compact space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for improved durability and weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and facilitates natural ventilation.
04
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
05
Allows for flexible interior configurations to adapt to various daily activities.

## Overview

The Island Home project addresses the specific challenges faced by island communities vulnerable to flooding and cyclones. Aimed at providing a resilient living environment, the design focuses on modularity and openness while promoting self-sufficiency and environmental harmony. The architectural approach centers around adaptability to enable occupants to engage effectively with their surrounding environment.

### Spatial Strategy and Interior Layout

With an area of 25 square meters, the microhome employs a flexible interior layout that accommodates various daily activities, including sleeping, cooking, and socializing. Key spaces include a combined living and dining area that functions as a social hub, a modular kitchen that extends into the living space, and adaptable bedroom areas that can be customized according to the occupants' needs. This configuration fosters a functional yet aesthetically pleasing environment that facilitates movement and interaction.

### Sustainability and Resilience

Sustainability is integral to the design, featuring several elements that enhance energy efficiency and self-sufficiency. Solar panels covering 10 square meters ensure renewable energy generation, while an integrated rainwater harvesting system meets both potable and non-potable water requirements. The design incorporates natural cooling strategies through strategically placed openings, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. Additionally, a vegetable garden supports food production, reinforcing the concept of self-sufficiency.

The structural framework is crafted from a robust timber frame that provides resilience against severe weather, essential for cyclonic conditions. Closable roof and side panels offer enhanced protection, while a trapdoor serves to safeguard outdoor furniture during storms. These adaptive measures collectively underscore the project's commitment to occupant safety and environmental considerations.

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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
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