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Charred Wooden Shingles Define Sustainable Living Spaces with Interior Gardens

Authors:
Lucia Silva Canal, Olga Popyrina Sundelius, Anber Onar
Charred Wooden Shingles Define Sustainable Living Spaces with Interior Gardens

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and natural stone, the design integrates sustainable features with well-defined interior gardens to create a versatile family residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates interior gardens that provide natural light and a connection to nature.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels, promoting rapid construction and sustainability.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize space efficiency and structural integrity.
05
Includes sliding wooden shutters to regulate privacy and control sunlight exposure.

## Overview

Located in a culturally significant context, the "Future Memories" design project integrates traditional architectural forms with contemporary living requirements. The intent is to create a space that not only serves as shelter but also fosters emotional and cultural connections within its environment. The design reflects an understanding of how memory and modernity intersect, resulting in an architectural framework that evolves alongside societal changes.

## Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The layout features an interconnected arrangement of spaces that facilitate fluid movement and interaction among residents. A multi-level design accommodates various activities, from everyday life to traditional gatherings. A semi-enclosed courtyard is central to the design, serving as a contemporary interpretation of a traditional majlis, promoting communal engagement and comfort. Indoor spaces are strategically oriented towards an internal garden, enhancing natural light flow and providing a direct connection to nature.

Key spatial elements include dome structures that introduce varying light conditions and create unique interior experiences, and sliding wooden shutters that offer adjustable privacy while framing views of the outdoors. The main living area is designed for modern functionality, integrating social spaces that encourage interaction while maximizing the benefits of the surrounding natural environment.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices play a vital role in defining the ambiance and structural integrity of the project. Concrete serves as the primary structural component, providing durability and sustainability across both interiors and exteriors. Wood is utilized for flooring and shutters, adding warmth and resonance with traditional aesthetics. Glass is incorporated to enhance light penetration and to blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, while natural stone is used in landscaping to reinforce the residence's connection to its surroundings.

The design emphasizes sustainability through features such as an integrated solar panel system aimed at reducing energy consumption, alongside adaptive spatial solutions that allow for modifications based on future needs and technological advancements. These considerations reflect a commitment to environmental awareness and a responsive design ethos.

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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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