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Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Featuring Burnt Wood Details for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Filippo Azzolina, Sara Sintoni, Martina Ortolani, Emanuele Spazzoli
Cross-Laminated Timber Structure Featuring Burnt Wood Details for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and charred wood details, the design offers flexible living spaces that embrace sustainability while serving as a community-focused residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes spatial efficiency and natural light.
04
Includes a rainwater collection system for sustainable water management.
05
Utilizes acoustic ceiling tiles to enhance sound quality in open living areas.

### Project Overview

CHIOSCO, designed by a team of emerging architects, reinterprets the cultural and functional essence of traditional Chioscos in Romagna, Italy. These small structures are emblematic of regional identity, serving as hubs for local cuisine and social interactions. The design aims to modernize the concept while retaining its cultural significance, emphasizing adaptability, sustainability, and community engagement.

### Spatial Configuration and Adaptability

The design is grounded in the principles of locality and flexibility, evolving the traditional Chiosco into a compact home with versatile living spaces. It features an open floor plan that accommodates social gatherings and personal retreats, allowing for various configurations throughout the day. This adaptability reflects a holistic approach to contemporary living, prioritizing the needs of users while fostering social inclusion.

### Sustainable Material Selection

Materiality is integral to the project's execution, aligning aesthetic and functional requirements with environmental considerations. Key materials include:

1. **QuadCore KS1000RW LEC Roof Panel** - Provides superior thermal insulation.
2. **Trodtek® V-line Acoustic Ceiling Tile** - Enhances acoustic comfort, essential for smaller living areas.
3. **Timber** - Utilized throughout, honoring local construction traditions and promoting sustainability.
4. **Rainwater Collection System** - Features a slimline tank for reuse, underscoring ecological responsibility.
5. **Compostable Toilet** - Further contributes to the sustainable ethos of the design.

These selections prioritize durability and efficiency while resonating with the local context through the use of indigenous resources.

### Integration and Technology

The design promotes a strong connection with nature through extensive use of large windows and open spaces, fostering natural light and facilitating a dialogue with the surrounding landscape. This integration is vital in Romagna, where the environment enhances daily experiences. Furthermore, the incorporation of photovoltaic systems and modern technologies meets contemporary energy efficiency standards, reflecting a commitment to sustainable architectural practices. By blending traditional elements with advanced solutions, CHIOSCO not only adapts to current living needs but also positions itself as a forward-thinking model for community-centric design.

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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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