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Cross-Laminated Timber Microhomes Revitalizing Urban Highways with Sustainable Design

Authors:
Ciprian Ionescu Ittu, Felix Tue, George Alexandru Petrosel
Cross-Laminated Timber Microhomes Revitalizing Urban Highways with Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and hemp-lime plaster, this development transforms underused highway space into a cohesive community of microhomes designed for sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates hemp-lime plaster for thermal insulation and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize space and natural light.
05
Integrates rainwater collection systems for self-sustainability in urban settings.

### Project Overview
Located in an urban environment, "Reclaim a Highway" addresses the ongoing housing crisis through an innovative microhome concept that repurposes an existing highway. The intent is to create a multifaceted space that combines residential, communal, and recreational areas, promoting community engagement and supporting local economies. This project strategically utilizes underused highway infrastructure to mitigate urban sprawl, increase accessibility, and foster community interaction.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The project features three distinct layout configurations: Engaged, Day-to-Day, and Leisure. Each layout optimizes spatial organization to cater to diverse user needs. The **Engaged Layout** facilitates a dynamic interaction between living and workspaces, incorporating multifunctional elements such as a collapsing desk and space-efficient sleeping nooks. The **Day-to-Day Layout** emphasizes sociability with an open-concept kitchen and living area, complemented by strategically placed storage solutions for ease of access. The **Leisure Layout** enhances relaxation and socialization by offering a spacious living area and outdoor balconies that connect residents with nature. This adaptable approach to spatial organization encourages a hybrid lifestyle conducive to community bonding.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection plays a critical role in the project’s sustainability objectives. The design incorporates cross-laminated timber (CLT) for walls and roofs, which significantly reduces carbon emissions. Hemp-lime plaster for interior finishes supports local agriculture and minimizes environmental impact. Recyclable glass is utilized in windows and partitions to improve natural light while reducing energy consumption. Additionally, prefabricated components streamline construction processes, resulting in lower costs and improved adaptability. The project also prioritizes sustainable technologies, featuring solar panels and a rainwater filtration system to enhance energy efficiency and self-sufficiency, thereby minimizing reliance on public utilities. Public greenspaces are designed as ecological sanctuaries, bolstering urban biodiversity while serving as communal gathering points.

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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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