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Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Passive Heating In Sustainable Home Design

Author:
Carlos Bravo
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Passive Heating In Sustainable Home Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced thermal efficiency, this residence integrates a central courtyard for optimal natural ventilation while embracing sustainable living principles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and insulation.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a natural aesthetic.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard for optimal natural ventilation and light.
04
Employs passive solar design to maximize energy efficiency throughout the year.
05
Integrates smart technology for automated lighting and energy management.

## Project Overview

The Courtyard House is situated in a warm climate and is designed to accommodate modern lifestyles while reflecting traditional values. The residence emphasizes adaptability for its occupants, fostering a comfortable and sustainable living environment. The architectural approach prioritizes both privacy and openness, ensuring that light and air permeate throughout the space.

## Spatial Strategy

Central to the design is a central courtyard that acts as a significant functional and aesthetic component. This outdoor area facilitates natural ventilation and enhances light penetration into the interior, promoting a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The arrangement of spaces around the courtyard fosters communal interaction while providing necessary privacy in personal areas. The ground floor is organized to include key living spaces and an integrated kitchen-dining area, with upper-level bedrooms featuring balconies that overlook the courtyard.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is integral to the Courtyard House's performance and aesthetic. Precast concrete panels provide structural stability and thermal efficiency, while gypsum plaster offers a smooth finish that enhances fire resistance. Sustainable timber beams contribute warmth and natural texture to the ceiling, and large glass windows promote daylighting and views of the surrounding landscape. The design incorporates solar panels on the rooftop for renewable energy generation, and xeriscaping with native plants minimizes water usage, supporting local biodiversity and reinforcing the sustainable ethos of the residence.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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