Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Greenery Define Sustainable Living in Urban Context

Author:
Nathaniel Jason John Alkana
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Greenery Define Sustainable Living in Urban Context

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a vertical garden, this residence exemplifies sustainable living while seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces for modern family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and views.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that improve weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates a vertical garden to enhance air quality and indoor biodiversity.
05
Includes an outdoor kitchen that extends living space and promotes outdoor dining.

**Project Overview**

Located in Gammel, Vancouver, this contemporary residential project reflects an innovative approach to harmonizing with the urban environment. The design integrates sustainable practices and responds to local climatic conditions, aiming to create a residence that is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

**Layout and Spatial Composition**

The three-level design, including a mezzanine, features distinct zones for various activities, blending public and private domains effectively. The upper level consists of a spacious living room, kitchen, and dining area that encourage social interaction, complemented by a covered outdoor kitchen that facilitates outdoor culinary experiences. The mezzanine houses versatile spaces such as laundry and storage, alongside additional sleeping areas, emphasizing adaptability for changing user needs. The ground level includes a welcoming foyer that facilitates circulation throughout the residence.

**Material and Sustainability Framework**

A focus on sustainable materiality is integral to the design. Concrete is employed for its durability and thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency, while wood—possibly cedar—adds warmth and texture. Expansive glass openings enhance natural light penetration and offer unobstructed views of the surrounding area. Sustainability initiatives include the use of low-VOC paints to improve indoor air quality, energy-efficient appliances, and systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, all aimed at promoting resource conservation. The inclusion of vertical greenery not only enhances aesthetics but also supports indoor air quality and provides thermal insulation, reflecting a commitment to biophilic design principles.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy