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Elevated Living Above Nature with Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Stabilization

Elevated Living Above Nature with Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Stabilization

Project in-detail

Supported by a large Douglas fir and incorporating charred wooden shingles, this elevated dwelling exemplifies sustainable living through modular design methods and efficient space usage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a cantilevered design that allows it to extend without disrupting the ground below.
02
Incorporates a rail system for modular, adaptable interior spaces.
03
Utilizes locally sourced timber, reducing transportation carbon footprint.
04
Employs adjustable shutters for optimized natural light control and ventilation.
05
Features a fusion of structural stability through steel rods and environmental harmony.

### Project Overview
Located in Scotland, the "Tree Hugger" project addresses the ongoing housing crisis by providing affordable and sustainable living options. The design prioritizes ecological innovation and functionality while engaging thoughtfully with the surrounding natural environment. The project aims to create adaptable residential spaces that meet the urgent demand for housing while maintaining a strong connection to its landscape.

### Structural Innovation and Materiality
The structural design incorporates a cantilevered framework anchored to a large Douglas fir, utilizing strategically placed steel rods for stabilization. This approach reflects a blend of nature and engineering, demonstrating an innovative method of tree attachment. Key materials include various types of timber for both structural and aesthetic elements, vapor control layers to enhance energy efficiency, and rigid insulation to improve sustainability. Zinc sheets and breather membranes provide essential weatherproofing, while steel rods offer support to the cantilevered sections, establishing a direct relationship between the materials used and the surrounding wooded area.

### Adaptive Interior Design
The interior layout features a modular design that accommodates diverse living functions. Bespoke units for living, working, and sleeping are mounted on a rail system, enabling occupants to customize their spaces according to their changing needs. This system promotes adaptable use, allowing for seamless transitions between living and working environments. Natural light is optimized through adjustable shutters on expansive windows and sliding doors, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency while fostering visual connections to the landscape outside. The design prioritizes ecological integration and emphasizes the importance of a lifestyle that respects and cherishes nature.

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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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