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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Sustainable Living in Arid Environments

Author:
Carlo Alberto Guerriero
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Sustainable Living in Arid Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design offers a sustainable solution for resilient living in arid environments, blending functionality with environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that improves airflow and reduces heat gain.
04
Employs integrated rainwater harvesting systems for effective water management.
05
Maximizes community interaction through flexible and open communal spaces.

The Anti-Desertification House is located in sub-Saharan Africa, an area acutely affected by climate change and desertification. With an intent to create sustainable living environments that harmonize human needs with ecological preservation, the project employs innovative architectural methods to address water scarcity and promote resilience. By integrating bioclimatic principles, the design fosters energy efficiency and adaptability, aligning the built environment with natural systems.

### Design Framework and Material Utilization

The structural framework primarily consists of timber, selected for its low thermal mass, with a secondary support system that minimizes heat absorption and maximizes shade. The large overhanging roof design facilitates natural ventilation, reducing the reliance on mechanical cooling. Composite materials and locally sourced natural substances form the walls, which feature intricate lattice patterns that enhance airflow and thermal efficiency. This approach balances strength and sustainability, employing engineered wood to ensure durability while maintaining eco-friendly standards.

### Sustainable Practices and Functional Adaptability

Water management is a key focus, incorporating rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and advanced filtration systems to support sustainable water use in arid climates. The house features photovoltaic panels aimed at achieving energy neutrality, supplemented by storage solutions to regulate energy consumption effectively. The spatial configuration is modular, allowing for reconfiguration to meet evolving community needs. Communal areas promote social interaction, while private spaces incorporate large windows to capture natural light and views, thus fostering an inclusive and engaging living environment. This design exemplifies a commitment to ecological responsibility and community enhancement in one of the world's most vulnerable regions.

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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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