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Cross-Laminated Timber Frames Enhanced by Charred Shingles in Sustainable Family Housing

Authors:
Lame Alsadakah, Salvatore Turco
Cross-Laminated Timber Frames Enhanced by Charred Shingles in Sustainable Family Housing

Project in-detail

Showcasing cross-laminated timber construction paired with charred wooden shingles, this family housing design emphasizes sustainability while offering adaptable living spaces within a communal framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural integrity and rapid construction.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a contemporary aesthetic.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation across living spaces.
04
Modular units allow for flexible interior configurations tailored to occupant needs.
05
Integration of green roofs promotes ecological balance and urban biodiversity.

## Overview

Located in an urban setting, the project focuses on personalizing residential living spaces while emphasizing community integration and sustainability. By reimagining traditional housing forms, it aims to enhance the adaptability and functionality of family units, addressing contemporary demands for individualized spaces within a cohesive neighborhood context.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The design comprises two main levels, with versatile residential units configured to accommodate the varied needs of families. On the ground floor, flexible units facilitate diverse arrangements, allowing residents to modify spaces in response to changing lifestyles. Each unit includes an individual garage, ensuring privacy while maintaining ease of access to communal areas. Shared open spaces are strategically placed to foster interactions among residents, promoting a sense of belonging within the community. The first floor features family units that connect with outdoor areas through balconies and terraces, enhancing natural light and cross-ventilation while encouraging outdoor living.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

The project utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary construction material due to its environmental advantages and structural integrity, providing superior insulation and contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Concrete serves as a foundational element, ensuring stability and design flexibility. Extensive glazing is employed to maximize natural light and visually integrate the interiors with the surrounding landscape. The design also features green roofs and living walls, further increasing environmental performance. To optimize energy efficiency, the incorporation of solar panels allows the residential units to produce significant surplus energy, while water conservation measures support efficient resource management and contribute to a sustainable living environment. Indoor climates are enhanced through strategic placement of greenery, which supports natural ventilation and thermal regulation.

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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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