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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Practices Create Efficient Micro Home Inspired by Indigenous Heritage

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Practices Create Efficient Micro Home Inspired by Indigenous Heritage
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Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and an innovative rainwater harvesting system, this micro home embodies sustainable living principles while honoring the architectural heritage of Brazil's indigenous communities through careful design and resource efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and thermal insulation.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Adopts a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and airflow.
05
Reflects indigenous architectural principles by prioritizing local materials and cultural heritage.

### Project Overview
The Microhome project reinterprets the traditional housing of Brazil's indigenous peoples, specifically the Xingu communities in northeastern Mato Grosso, within the Amazon region. The initiative aims to align contemporary construction techniques with indigenous architectural principles, focusing on sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage. In addressing the challenges of climate change and urbanization, Microhome presents a compact residential solution that effectively responds to environmental conditions and social needs.

### Architectural Form and Function
The design of the Microhome features a distinctive layout that is divided into two primary sections: an infrastructure area containing essential utilities such as the kitchen and bathroom, and a living space. This arrangement enhances privacy and functional versatility, allowing various activities to occur concurrently. The structure incorporates larger openings on the southern and eastern elevations to optimize natural light penetration. Additionally, the slanted roof design serves to enhance light entry while facilitating efficient rainwater runoff, which is particularly vital in this region's climate, characterized by frequent heavy rainfall.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials plays a crucial role in merging traditional and modern elements. Key structural components include Kingspan insulated trapezoidal roof panels for thermal comfort, Kingspan SmartWall panels for external walls providing insulation and stability, and double-glazed windows that improve thermal performance. The exterior features a light steel frame structure for durability and a concrete block foundation to ensure stability in humid conditions. Sustainability is further emphasized through innovative systems such as rainwater harvesting, which reduces reliance on external water sources, and a biodegradable waste treatment system that processes waste effectively. Cross-ventilation techniques are integrated into the design to promote natural airflow, decreasing the need for mechanical cooling solutions.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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