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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in a Sustainable Community Complex

Authors:
Julio Cooley, wilmer clase, albert dubovik
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in a Sustainable Community Complex

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and vertical gardens, the design maximizes sustainability while providing a mixed-use community space that fosters interaction and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame structure for enhanced spatial dynamics.
02
Features vertical gardens integrated into the design for improved air quality.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for durability and a distinct aesthetic.
04
Designed with cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable construction.
05
Includes communal spaces strategically positioned to promote community interaction.

This architectural project is situated in an urban environment, designed with the intent to enhance the surrounding community through thoughtful integration of public and private spaces. The structure occupies a pivotal location, engaging with its context while addressing the needs of its users. It aims to foster connectivity and collaboration among its varied occupants.

**Spatial Strategy**
The design employs an open floor plan that promotes flexibility and encourages interaction. Common areas are strategically placed to draw individuals together, while private spaces are thoughtfully distributed throughout the layout to ensure acoustic and visual privacy. Large windows and strategically located corridors optimize natural light and provide views of the surrounding landscape, reinforcing the connection between the interior and exterior environments.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and durability. Locally sourced materials are utilized to minimize the project's carbon footprint, while green roofs and permeable pavements contribute to effective stormwater management. Energy-efficient systems are implemented throughout the building to enhance performance and reduce operational costs. The integration of biophilic design principles enhances user well-being by incorporating natural elements into the built environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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