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 Elevate Sustainability in Elevated Subtropical Housing

Author:
Zachary Ellis Whiteman
Charred Wooden Shingles Elevate Sustainability in Elevated Subtropical Housing

Project in-detail

Elevated on stilts, this residence employs charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels to harmonize with its subtropical environment while maximizing energy efficiency and fostering a community-oriented living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure reduces flood risk and enhances natural ventilation.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels improve thermal performance and sustainability.
04
Operable glass panels facilitate passive cooling and connection to nature.
05
Flexible interior spaces allow for multifunctional use and adaptability.

### Overview

Located within a rich subtropical landscape, the Egret project focuses on sustainable living through innovative architectural design. This housing prototype emphasizes micro-living and eco-friendly principles, aiming to create a harmonious relationship between residents and their natural environment. By prioritizing minimal land impact and climate adaptability, the design fosters a community-oriented atmosphere that encourages interaction and shared spaces.

### Site Context and Environmental Integration

The Egret home is thoughtfully elevated on stilts to preserve the surrounding ecosystem and minimize ecological disruption. This elevation not only provides enhanced views of the lush greenery and diverse flora but also allows the ground to remain undisturbed, supporting local wildlife. The layout is designed to integrate with the vibrant subtropical environment, creating a structure that complements its natural context.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality

The interior layout is centered around an open-plan living area that promotes communal activities by linking the kitchen and dining spaces. Flexibility is a key aspect of the design, with convertible spaces achieved through movable partitions and multi-purpose furniture, such as a lofted sleeping area. Passive cooling strategies, including operable windows and thermal mass, optimize the interior climate without relying on mechanical cooling.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs a carefully selected combination of materials to enhance both ecological performance and aesthetic appeal. Wooden elements provide warmth and comfort, while aluminum frames and vertical louvered screens ensure durability and effective shading. Expanses of glass facilitate a connection to the outdoors and are strategically positioned to manage solar gain. Concrete is utilized for stability and structural support, establishing a robust foundation. Sustainable features, such as rainwater harvesting systems and landscaping with native plant species, contribute to reduced resource consumption and promote biodiversity.

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