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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles Define An Adaptable Family Home

Author:
Xuanzhi Zhang
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles Define An Adaptable Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design creates a modular, adaptable residence that evolves alongside its inhabitants, fostering a sense of continuity and connection for family life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural performance and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for natural weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and promotes efficient insulation.
04
Designed for modular expansion to adapt to changing family structures over time.
05
Integrates biophilic elements to enhance the connection between indoor living and the natural environment.

The project "There and Back Again" comprises a modular residential pod designed to adapt to the changing needs of family life across generations. Located within a thoughtful context that considers both community and individual narratives, the design intends to facilitate intergenerational living by creating spaces that resonate with family dynamics and milestones. The structure evolves as families grow, reflecting significant life events while maintaining a connection to the environment.

### Adaptive Spatial Strategy
The architectural approach emphasizes flexibility through a modular design that allows for easy expansion and adaptation. The building can transition between several stages: accommodating a couple and their children in its initial phase, and later incorporating additional family members such as grandchildren. Internal spaces are arranged to support multi-functional use, with fluid layouts promoting usability and interaction among residents. This strategy integrates both private and communal areas, enhancing family connections while allowing for separate functions as required.

### Material Considerations
Material selections are critical to establishing both the aesthetic and functional attributes of the design. The use of wood brings warmth and familiarity essential for residential spaces, while glass panels maximize natural light and foster openness. Steel components provide structural integrity, balancing a modern visual language with durability. These materials not only fulfill practical requirements but also contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that aligns with the project's focus on family-oriented living.

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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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