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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Living in Prefabricated Modular Units

Author:
Egil Ljungkvist
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Living in Prefabricated Modular Units

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and a focus on modularity, this design redefines community living by merging functionality with sustainable materials to create efficient residential units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from sustainably sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes space and encourages natural light infiltration.
04
Modular units designed for adaptability, allowing customizable layouts based on resident needs.
05
Includes communal green spaces that promote social interaction among residents while enhancing biodiversity.

The architectural design project "Ben's Land" represents a thoughtful exploration of modular living, emphasizing community, sustainability, and functionality. The project is characterized by prefabricated living units that cater to a minimalist lifestyle while promoting social interaction among residents. Each modular unit incorporates essential functions such as sleeping, cooking, and communal spaces, providing an efficient solution for housing in urban settings.

Modular Design and Spatial Efficiency

"Ben's Land" employs a modular design approach, allowing for flexibility in living arrangements. Each unit is composed of multiple slices, ensuring that essential living functions are efficiently organized without compromising comfort. The architectural design prioritizes spatial efficiency, making use of every square foot to serve multiple purposes. Glass facades are strategically integrated to enhance natural light, creating a sense of openness within the smaller living spaces. Furthermore, the design incorporates outdoor areas, including shared gardens and terraces, increasing the sense of community among residents.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

A defining aspect of "Ben's Land" is its focus on sustainability. The project integrates natural materials such as wood and concrete, promoting durability and a connection to the environment. The structures are designed to minimize energy consumption, with opportunities for residents to co-manage resources through communal facilities. Unique to this project is the mobile application that facilitates shared resources, allowing residents to access communal spaces like kitchens and activity rooms. This feature not only enhances the living experience but also reduces individual resource consumption, embodying sustainable community living.

Choice of Materials and Structural Innovations

The architectural design employs a variety of materials strategically selected for their functional and aesthetic qualities. Concrete forms the primary structural element, providing stability and insulation. The use of glass ensures transparency and visual connectivity, allowing residents to feel connected to outdoor spaces. Wood is present in interior finishes, adding warmth and comfort to the living environment. Additionally, metal components are incorporated for structural support and to enhance modern aesthetics. The interplay of these materials contributes to a cohesive design that aligns with the project’s overarching goals of functionality and sustainability.

Exploring "Ben's Land" offers valuable insights into enhancing urban living through architectural innovation. To gain a deeper understanding of the architectural strategies and design elements, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas associated with the project is highly encouraged. Visit the project’s presentation for a comprehensive analysis.

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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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