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 Define Sustainable Micro-Home with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Authors:
Gregory Stransham Gordge, Susan Edith Johnston
Charred Wooden Shingles Define Sustainable Micro-Home with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this sustainable micro-home integrates advanced water harvesting and natural ventilation systems to enhance urban living efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to optimize structural stability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates high-performance cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and insulation.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for natural fire resistance and durability.
04
Integrates advanced water harvesting systems for efficient resource management.
05
Designed for modular assembly, allowing rapid construction and adaptability to various environments.

### Overview
The "UNBOUNDED" project is situated in a context that prioritizes space optimization, environmental sustainability, and psychological well-being through innovative micro-home design. Its intent is to create adaptable living spaces that can effectively respond to various environmental and social conditions while fostering a sense of community and individual comfort.

### Material and Construction Strategy
The design utilizes a carefully selected palette of sustainable materials, emphasizing both aesthetic qualities and structural integrity. Timber is incorporated for its durability and low carbon footprint, while photovoltaic cells harness solar energy to minimize reliance on fossil fuels. Recycled structural steel contributes to robustness and sustainability, alongside the use of EPDM roof sheeting, which facilitates effective rainwater harvesting. The integration of hydraulic pistons within the roof system allows for versatile adjustments to internal conditions, enhancing overall livability.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of the home is strategically organized into multifunctional quadrants—comprising living, sleeping, working, grooming, bathing, and relaxation areas—to maximize comfort and utility. The ground floor design promotes social interaction by centralizing communal spaces while ensuring that private areas are effectively isolated. The open space concept encourages fluid transitions between activities, enhanced by built-in storage solutions that maintain a sense of openness. Furthermore, natural ventilation strategies, including operable windows and vents, create a healthy indoor environment, facilitating airflow and energy efficiency.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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