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Charred Wooden Slats and Natural Ventilation in a Dual-Level Habitat

Authors:
Witold Jerzy Gilewicz, Olga Katarzyna Knapik, WiesŁaw MichaŁek, Agnieszka Monika PuchaŁa, Urszula Maria Synal
Charred Wooden Slats and Natural Ventilation in a Dual-Level Habitat

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden slats for shading and natural ventilation, this dual-level residence enhances energy efficiency while seamlessly connecting indoor spaces with surrounding nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade incorporates charred wooden slats that provide effective shading while enhancing durability.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
03
Natural ventilation channels promote airflow, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems.
04
A dual-level layout enables flexible space utilization to accommodate changing needs.
05
Integrated green walls enhance biodiversity and contribute to indoor air quality.

**Overview and Intent**
Located in a context conducive to sustainable living, "Heat-Wind-Shelter" reflects a commitment to environmentally responsive design. This residential project aims to create a harmonious relationship between the built environment and natural surroundings while promoting energy efficiency and comfort. The architectural strategy incorporates flexible spatial configurations that facilitate interaction with elements such as sunlight and wind, thereby addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

**Spatial Organization and Interaction**
The layout consists of an open-plan design that emphasizes adaptability, allowing inhabitants to tailor their living spaces according to their needs. Features such as strategically placed large windows enhance natural light and create visual connectivity with outdoor areas, contributing to improved air quality and fostering a sense of well-being. Communal spaces, including gardens and terraces, are integrated to encourage social interaction among residents, reinforcing community ties.

**Materiality and Environmental Considerations**
The project employs a deliberate selection of materials designed to harmonize with its ecological context. Extensive use of glass facilitates transparency and a strong connection to the outdoors, while wooden slats provide essential shading and ventilation. Concrete elements provide durability and texture, grounding the structure in its environment. The façade incorporates a woven pattern of wooden slats to mitigate solar gain, enhancing passive cooling strategies and reducing the need for mechanical systems. The integration of local flora in landscaping supports biodiversity and aligns with biophilic design principles. Furthermore, the structure’s passive solar management features and strategic wind channels ensure resilience against varying climate conditions, promoting a sustainable living environment.

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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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