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Charred Wooden Slats and Expansive Glass Create a Modern Family Retreat

Authors:
Panagiotis Stergiou, Noran Sabah Farhan Saedi
Charred Wooden Slats and Expansive Glass Create a Modern Family Retreat

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden slats and expansive glass openings, this modern residence seamlessly integrates natural light and outdoor views, serving as a contemporary family retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to efficient construction and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design promotes structural stability and unique aesthetics.
04
Large glass openings maximize natural light and outdoor visibility.
05
Strategically designed balconies extend living space into the landscape.

## Overview

Mocha Manor is a contemporary residential project situated in a suburban context that emphasizes both functionality and aesthetic integration with its natural surroundings. The design prioritizes natural light and spatial fluidity, fostering a warm and inviting environment while providing a balance between privacy and outdoor connectivity.

## Spatial Organization

The architectural layout is designed to facilitate both private and communal living. The ground floor features an open-concept living room and dining area, strategically aligned with large windows to enhance views and natural light. Adjacent to these spaces is a modern kitchen with a central island that encourages social interaction. Traditional elements are incorporated through a Mejlis, designated for relaxation and social gatherings. The utility areas, including a laundry room and hallway, are thoughtfully positioned to minimize disruption to the main living spaces, ensuring an intuitive flow throughout the home.

On the second floor, private zones are delineated, comprising bedrooms equipped with en-suite bathrooms and an office space. Each bedroom is oriented to frame views of the surrounding landscape, offering personal retreat areas while maintaining a degree of separation from communal spaces.

## Material Expression and Sustainability

The material palette of Mocha Manor plays a crucial role in defining its architectural character. The façade combines white stucco with dark vertical wooden slats, creating contrast while emphasizing modern aesthetics and enhancing natural light penetration. High-quality materials, including marble or premium stone in the kitchen and bathrooms, reinforce the project's commitment to durability and elegance.

Sustainable design principles are evident through the strategic orientation of the building, which maximizes passive solar gain. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also promotes a healthy indoor environment. The inclusion of extensive glazing allows for transparency and a strong connection to the exterior environment, further reflecting the thoughtful integration of architecture and landscape.

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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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