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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Green Roof Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Author:
Gavin Harrigan
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Green Roof Integration in Sustainable Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and a green roof, the design facilitates a compact living environment that promotes sustainable agriculture within a residential framework.
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 to optimize space and aesthetic appeal.
04
Includes a green roof to promote biodiversity and local food production.
05
Integrates renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, for self-sufficiency.

### Overview
The Agrarian Gothic project introduces a modular and mass-producible housing solution aimed at small-scale farming contexts. It proposes a living model that allows residents to cultivate crops on the same land where they reside, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices in an increasingly urbanized environment. The design responds to significant issues regarding land use, particularly addressing the trend where agricultural areas are converted to residential developments.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Strategy
The structure reflects a Gothic architectural style, featuring vertical lines and a pointed roof reminiscent of traditional barns. This design elevates the living space while maintaining a compact footprint, thus minimizing disruption to the land. Modularity enables customization and expansion, catering to diverse environmental conditions and individual preferences. Interior spaces are carefully designed for optimal functionality within limited dimensions, incorporating a full kitchenette, flexible workspace, and integrated storage solutions along with a sleeping area that maximizes space efficiency.

### Sustainable Practices and Materiality
Key sustainable features include a green roof garden, which allows residents to grow their own herbs and vegetables, and integrated renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and a wind turbine. The materials selected for construction enhance durability and energy efficiency. Notable components include a standing seam metal roof for weather resilience, cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and thermal insulation, and a high-efficiency window system to optimize natural light and views of the surrounding agricultural landscape. Additionally, the use of a composting toilet promotes water conservation and waste recycling, aligning with the project's commitment to ecological sustainability.

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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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