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Cross-Laminated Timber Framework With Smart Technology for Efficient Urban Living

Author:
Camilo Cerro
Cross-Laminated Timber Framework With Smart Technology for Efficient Urban Living

Project in-detail

The integration of cross-laminated timber panels and smart technology brings a new layer of efficiency to urban living, creating a compact yet comfortable micro-house designed to foster a sense of community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space while promoting natural ventilation.
04
Includes hydroponic systems for indoor food production, integrating sustainability into daily life.
05
Integrates smart technology for climate control and energy efficiency tailored to user patterns.
The Micro-House project represents a thoughtful response to the increasing pressures of urbanization and the growing need for innovative housing solutions. This architectural endeavor showcases a compact, functional living space designed for individuals or small families, emphasizing efficiency, sustainability, and community interaction. By redefining how we think about living in dense urban environments, this project highlights the possibilities that come with maximized space use and smart design.

At its core, the Micro-House serves multiple essential functions. It provides a comfortable and adaptive living environment that promotes a sense of community while addressing housing shortages in metropolitan areas. The design prioritizes user experience, allowing residents to manipulate their space to suit personal needs while maintaining a high level of functionality. This is particularly relevant in cities where available land is limited, making the efficient use of square footage critical.

The architectural design incorporates several key elements that enhance overall livability. A robust steel frame forms the backbone of the structure, ensuring durability and adaptability. Internally, warm wooden finishes introduce a sense of comfort and connection to nature, balancing the modern brashness of steel and the expansive use of reinforced glass. This glass not only brings natural light into the living spaces but also connects occupants to their surroundings, creating an aesthetic that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

Unique design approaches distinguish this project from other urban residential designs. The use of modular layouts allows for customizable living arrangements, accommodating different household sizes and lifestyles. Residents can choose configurations that best fit their needs, whether that involves open-concept spaces or more segmented designs. Furthermore, shared amenity spaces on the lower levels foster community interactions and support an eco-conscious approach to urban living. Features such as bicycle storage encourage sustainable transportation, enhancing the overall environmental responsibility of the project.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Micro-House concept. Incorporating renewable energy solutions like solar panels and efficient water management systems reflects a commitment to minimizing ecological impact. The design incorporates cross-ventilation techniques, strategically placed windows, and innovative technologies like smart thermostats that optimize energy consumption according to occupancy patterns. This creates not only a comfortable living environment but also a highly functional one, where residents can engage in eco-friendly practices seamlessly integrated into their daily routines.

An exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Micro-House will reveal additional dimensions of this project. Each architectural idea has been meticulously crafted to ensure that every square foot serves a purpose, promoting a lifestyle that is both contemporary and aligned with modern environmental values. The consideration given to each material and construction technique showcases an understanding of the interplay between aesthetics and functionality.

Potential readers and stakeholders are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of this project to gain further insights. Understanding the nuances of the architectural plans and how design outcomes translate into livable spaces can foster a broader appreciation for the capabilities of modern architecture in addressing pressing urban challenges.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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