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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles in a Compact Off-Grid Habitat

Author:
Mariia Yasko
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Shingles in a Compact Off-Grid Habitat

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred shingles, the design creates a compact, off-grid living space that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and insulation.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize solar orientation and natural light.
04
Designed with modular elements to allow for flexible spatial configurations.
05
Includes integrated solar panels for a self-sufficient energy solution.

### Project Overview

The angular tiny house is situated within the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Natural Park and embodies a modern interpretation of off-grid living. Designed to foster sustainability and efficient resource use, the structure serves both as a residential space and an expression of ecological architectural principles. This project emphasizes a minimalistic lifestyle in direct interaction with nature, providing a comfortable refuge for its occupants.

### Spatial Strategy and Interaction with Nature

The design adopts a modular approach, optimizing spatial efficiency while fostering a diverse set of living experiences. The angular form of the house not only enhances the visual appeal but also plays a functional role in maximizing natural light and solar orientation. An open floor plan, complemented by large windows and glass walls, promotes a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing for unobstructed views that integrate the surrounding landscape into daily life. Outdoor elements, such as terraces and pergolas, create inviting spaces that encourage interaction with nature, reinforcing the overall design intent of ecological awareness.

### Materiality and Energy Efficiency

The project employs a carefully curated selection of materials to enhance both sustainability and aesthetics. The facade features treated natural pine wood, providing durability while maintaining an organic look. Extensive glazing optimizes passive solar heating, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and enhancing energy efficiency. Structural elements incorporate metal to ensure stability and support the unique angular design. High-performance insulation and solar panel integration underscore the commitment to off-grid capabilities, enabling the house to harness renewable energy sources effectively, thereby minimizing its ecological footprint.

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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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