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Charred Wooden Shingles Create A Dynamic Facade For Sustainable Waterfront Housing

Author:
Zenab Mahajna
Charred Wooden Shingles Create A Dynamic Facade For Sustainable Waterfront Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design enhances environmental integration while serving as a sustainable residential complex near the waterfront.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for increased structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and views.
04
Includes integrated green roof systems to promote biodiversity and thermal regulation.
05
Strategically designed public spaces encourage community interaction and outdoor engagement.

### Project Overview
I-LAT is an urban design initiative situated in proximity to a waterfront, leveraging natural light and breezes to improve the livability of the area while maintaining a focus on ecological sustainability and community integration. The intention is to create a functional and inviting environment that fosters social engagement among residents and visitors, while being cognizant of the geographical context.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout of I-LAT prioritizes pedestrian circulation and connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Public areas are strategically interspersed with greenery, encouraging outdoor activities and social interactions. The design adheres to established urban planning principles while incorporating modern adaptation to enhance flexibility. The emphasis on communal spaces, such as terraces and seating arrangements, aims to promote a sense of community.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection showcases a commitment to durability and environmental responsibility. Key elements include:

- **Wood**: Integral to structural grids and shading devices, offering aesthetic warmth and regulating sunlight exposure.
- **Glass**: Utilized extensively to maximize natural light and energy efficiency, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.
- **Steel**: Serving as a primary support material, it ensures structural stability and longevity.
- **Concrete**: Selected for foundational elements, contributing to thermal mass and durability.
- **Green Roof Systems**: Included to enhance biodiversity and mitigate urban heat.

Sustainable design practices are evident in the integration of energy-efficient technologies, such as solar panels, which contribute to the building's self-sufficiency and resilience to climate fluctuations. Shading devices crafted from wooden lattice are designed to reduce heat gain and support passive climate control, further reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability.

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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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