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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Community Cohesion in a Timber-Structured Residence

Author:
Karolina Anna Kaczor
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhancing Community Cohesion in a Timber-Structured Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design transforms an existing mining shaft tower into a cohesive living space that fosters community engagement for retired miners.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an existing mining shaft tower as a central structural element.
02
Incorporates green terraces to encourage gardening and outdoor recreation.
03
Features shared amenities designed specifically for social engagement among residents.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates natural light extensively through strategically placed glass facades.

### Overview

The Sunflower project is situated in a post-industrial mining town and serves as a comprehensive living environment for retired miners. This initiative aims to honor the historical significance of the mining community while addressing contemporary issues, such as infrastructure deterioration, population shifts, and social isolation. The design repurposes an existing mining shaft tower into a residential complex that meets the specific requirements of the elderly demographic.

### Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

The architectural layout integrates residential and communal spaces to foster a sense of community among residents. The ground floor features common areas, including a café and a communal kitchen, designed to encourage social interaction. The residential modules, spanning levels 3 to 8, provide diverse apartment configurations alongside green terraces, which offer outdoor spaces for gardening and relaxation. A dedicated integration module on level 5 supports shared facilities, promoting collective experiences, while the fourth level houses creative spaces such as a music room and art studio, enhancing cultural engagement within the community.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials that align with its sustainability objectives. Timber forms the primary façade material, chosen for its renewable properties and aesthetic compatibility with the surrounding environment. Glass elements enhance natural light penetration and visual connection with the landscape, while reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity, vital for adapting the existing mining shaft. Green roof systems further contribute to ecological benefits, improving air quality and supporting local biodiversity. Accessibility considerations have been woven throughout the design, ensuring inclusive access for all residents.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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