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Charred Wooden Shingles Yielding Harmony in Earth-Integrated Community Spaces

Charred Wooden Shingles Yielding Harmony in Earth-Integrated Community Spaces
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and local brick, this community-focused initiative integrates seamlessly into the valley terrain, promoting shared agricultural and residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced brick and timber for enhanced sustainability.
02
Features an innovative bent A-frame design for structural efficiency.
03
Incorporates permeable landscaping to support local biodiversity.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Encourages community interaction through strategically placed communal gardens.

## Architectural Design Report: Valley of Earth

### Overview
The Valley of Earth project is situated within a fertile valley framed by mountainous terrain, reflecting the geographical characteristics of the region. The design prioritizes sustainability and aims to integrate human activity harmoniously with the natural environment, fostering connections between ecosystems, agricultural practices, and the built forms. By emphasizing a sense of belonging and identity rooted in nature, the project is conceived as a communal space that promotes agricultural productivity and interaction.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout is distinctly organized into functional zones comprising communal areas, agricultural facilities, and private quarters. The design employs circular and organic geometries that align with the natural contours of the landscape. This configuration not only facilitates accessibility and visual connectivity but also enhances user experience through the thoughtful arrangement of spaces. The sectional study illustrates a layered interaction between interior and exterior realms, with courtyards and gardens integrated into the built environment, thus inviting nature into daily life.

### Material Selection
Materiality is a crucial aspect of the design, focusing on sustainability, durability, and aesthetic coherence. Key materials include locally sourced brick for structural integrity and thermal comfort, concrete for foundational stability, glass for maximizing natural light, and wood for warmth in decorative elements. Additionally, the landscape features a variety of flora selected for their ecological benefits, contributing to the project's sustainability framework. The approach to material selection reinforces the architectural intent while promoting a symbiotic relationship between the built structure and the natural surroundings.

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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

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Recurring architecture competitions

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
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