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Charred Wooden Shingles and Wood Wool Insulation in a Flexible Living Space

Author:
Maxime Roland Boulanger
Charred Wooden Shingles and Wood Wool Insulation in a Flexible Living Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by wood wool insulation, this compact dwelling offers a flexible living solution tailored for modern lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on pilings to minimize land impact and enable mobility.
02
Incorporates a rainwater collection system for enhanced sustainability.
03
Utilizes 12 cm wood wool insulation for superior thermal performance.
04
Features adaptable interior spaces that support multifunctional living.
05
Employs openwork wood cladding for ventilation and aesthetic appeal.

## Project Overview
The Pocket House is located in France and addresses pressing challenges related to urbanization and housing shortages. This initiative offers a solution for affordable and flexible living, promoting a sustainable and adaptable environment suited for both urban and rural contexts.

### Adaptability and Spatial Strategy
The design emphasizes adaptability and discretion, allowing inhabitants to modify their living spaces according to personal needs. The concept of "Archimobility" is central, highlighting the importance of versatile space usage throughout daily activities. Internal spaces are crafted to be multifunctional, supporting various configurations for diverse activities. The structure’s mobility is facilitated by a prefabricated timber frame that supports easy relocation, while its minimal land impact is achieved through a foundation resting on pilings.

### Sustainability and Materiality
Sustainability is integral to the Pocket House, which includes features such as solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and options for composting toilets, all aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and reducing ecological footprints. The material selection includes a sustainable timber frame for structural integrity, openwork wood for exterior cladding that enhances ventilation, and durable steel sheet cladding. Additionally, 12 cm thick wood wool insulation maximizes energy efficiency, and large glass windows ensure ample natural light while fostering connection with the surrounding environment.

The design incorporates compliance with France's 2020 environmental regulations, ensuring effective insulation and reduced energy consumption, further aligning the project with contemporary ecological standards.

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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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