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Charred Wooden Shingles Integrating Fluid Geometry in Sustainable Community Spaces

Author:
Aja Webb-sears
Charred Wooden Shingles Integrating Fluid Geometry in Sustainable Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainability through charred wooden shingles and fluid geometric forms, the design creates an engaging communal space that fosters interaction while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a textured aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels facilitate rapid assembly and structural stability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light penetration throughout the interior.
04
Integrated rainwater drainage systems improve landscape sustainability and water management.
05
Native plant landscaping supports local biodiversity and reduces maintenance needs.

### Overview

The architectural design is situated in a coastal setting, where it seeks to harmonize urban influences with ecological sustainability. The intent is to create a space that fosters a balanced coexistence between the built environment and the natural landscape. This design recognizes the importance of water and land interactions, enhancing its relevance within the specified geographical context.

### Spatial Strategy

The project employs a combination of geometric forms and organic shapes to establish visual and spatial connectivity. The predominance of triangular and linear formations guides movement through the site, enriching the visitor experience. This arrangement reflects a conscious departure from conventional design norms, encouraging exploration and interaction while integrating with the surrounding landscape.

#### Landscape Integration

Careful attention is given to the site’s integration with local ecosystems. The abundance of greenery complements the geometric structures, creating designated gathering areas that promote social interaction and relaxation. The project emphasizes biodiversity through the inclusion of native plant species, which are selected for their low maintenance requirements and ecological benefits. Furthermore, water features are strategically introduced, serving both aesthetic purposes and as sustainable drainage solutions. These elements are essential in addressing potential flooding risks while enhancing the site's environmental performance.

### Materiality

The materials selected for this project include glass, concrete, wood, and metal, each chosen for its functional and aesthetic contributions. Glass provides transparency, allowing the natural environment to inform the interior experience. Concrete offers structural stability, while wood adds warmth, fostering a connection to nature. Metal components emphasize modernity and durability. This thoughtful selection not only enhances the visual language of the design but also aligns with principles of sustainability and energy efficiency, minimizing the overall environmental impact.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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