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Curvilinear Facade Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Sustainable Timber Elements in Contemporary Residential Design

Authors:
Carla Caldani, Mauro Fiori, Francesca Giugliano
Curvilinear Facade Featuring Photovoltaic Panels and Sustainable Timber Elements in Contemporary Residential Design

Project in-detail

The use of a curvilinear facade combined with photovoltaic panels and sustainable timber elements creates a unique residential space that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, promoting efficient living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design enhances natural light penetration and spatial flow throughout the interior.
02
Photovoltaic panels are seamlessly integrated into the roof’s geometry for optimal solar energy capture.
03
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for their aesthetic appeal and increased durability against weathering.
04
Sustainable construction techniques emphasize the use of locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.
05
Open floor plan promotes seamless indoor-outdoor connectivity for enhanced living experiences.

### Project Overview

The residential structure is situated in a region with a warm climate, designed to align with modern living standards while integrating innovative materials and environmental considerations. This two-story building features interconnected living spaces that prioritize both functionality and aesthetic coherence, facilitating a comfortable living environment in harmony with the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Configuration

The site layout effectively capitalizes on both indoor and outdoor spaces. The ground floor encompasses essential living areas, including a kitchen, dining area, and living room, which seamlessly connect to a pool area. This configuration promotes interaction and leisure, encouraging a lifestyle that intertwines indoor activities with outdoor enjoyment. On the first floor, private bedrooms and additional living spaces offer expansive views of the landscaped surroundings, ensuring privacy while maintaining a connection to nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse palette of materials has been carefully selected to enhance both aesthetic appeal and sustainability. Galvanized steel profiles provide structural integrity, while concrete serves as a robust foundation and wall system. Large glass openings facilitate natural light and visual engagement with the exterior. Timber elements, featured in the pergola and various interior finishes, add warmth and texture. Additionally, reflective roofing materials and photovoltaic panels contribute to energy efficiency by dissipating heat and harnessing solar energy, respectively. The incorporation of geothermal heat pumps further supports sustainable heating and cooling practices, ensuring the building operates harmoniously with its environment.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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