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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Surfaces in User-Centric Modular Living Spaces

Authors:
Zhuofan Ma, Yicong Shan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Surfaces in User-Centric Modular Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, the design redefines modular living by enabling personalized domestic environments tailored to individual needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Offers a customizable living environment through modular components.
05
Emphasizes biophilic design, fostering connections with the surrounding landscape.
The project titled "Customizing Domesticity (and Radicalizing the Situation)" serves as an exploration of innovative approaches to residential architecture. The design focuses on the interplay between user agency and architectural structure, leveraging digital technologies for personalization. This concept aims to transform contemporary domestic environments by empowering inhabitants to tailor their living spaces to meet individual needs and preferences.

The project incorporates elements that reflect a modular design approach, allowing flexibility in the organization and aesthetics of spaces. Utilizing a blend of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), the project facilitates an interactive design manual that homeowners can reference to modify their surroundings. This method encourages an integrated design process where inhabitants are not merely consumers but active participants in shaping their homes.

Versatile Living Environments

A distinguishing feature of this project is its emphasis on versatile living environments. The design showcases various scenarios, including urban residences within skyscrapers, aquatic conference rooms, and habitats suited for extraterrestrial exploration. This diversity highlights the adaptability of architectural design to varying contexts, functions, and user requirements. Each living space promotes a sense of identity while accommodating modern lifestyles, emphasizing a shift from static to dynamic residential architecture.

The modular components of the project suggest an ability to reconfigure layouts and reallocate spaces based on evolving needs. This adaptability is important for accommodating changes in family dynamics, work-from-home setups, and other lifestyle adjustments. The project’s design ethos embodies a commitment to sustainability by envisioning environments that can grow and change over time without the need for extensive renovations.

Integration of Technology in Design

The integration of technology in this design is another noteworthy aspect. By utilizing digital tools, the project bridges the gap between physical and virtual realms, enhancing user engagement with residential architecture. The proposal suggests implementing customizable features such as adjustable partitions and easily modifiable materials, allowing for personal expression and creativity. This innovative use of technology fosters a seamless interaction between inhabitants and their environments, encouraging a dialogue that informs the ongoing evolution of the home.

In addition, the design reflects a sensitivity to natural elements, incorporating biophilic design principles that create harmonious relationships between indoor spaces and the surrounding environment. Glass and natural materials are used thoughtfully to enhance transparency and connection to nature, contributing to a more pleasant living atmosphere.

For further insights into this architectural project, please explore the detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs available in the project presentation. This will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that underpin the design and its potential impact on future residential environments.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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