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Elevated Living Modules Constructed from Laminated Wood and Solar Canopies

Authors:
Piergiorgio Semerano, Salvatore Musaro'
Elevated Living Modules Constructed from Laminated Wood and Solar Canopies

Project in-detail

Constructed with elevated laminated wood modules and integrated solar canopies, the design fosters communal living while maximizing environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with elevated modules allowing for natural ventilation and views.
02
Incorporates solar canopies that enhance energy efficiency and outdoor living.
03
Features communal terraces designed to foster social interaction among residents.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
05
Integrates living trees within the structure to enhance biodiversity and aesthetics.

### Overview
The Gimme Shelter project is situated in an urban context that seeks to address modern housing challenges through innovative modular living solutions. The design prioritizes sustainability, adaptability, and community engagement, thereby creating a living environment that integrates with the surrounding ecosystem. The conceptual framework is focused on fostering a self-sufficient community that accommodates diverse lifestyles while encouraging a strong relationship with nature.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural layout consists of a series of interconnected micro-homes organized into clusters to maximize both communal interaction and privacy. Each unit is elevated on a bridge-like structure, facilitating natural light penetration and optimal airflow, which enhances residents’ quality of life. Various housing typologies, including studio flats and two-bedroom apartments, allow for flexibility and inclusivity, catering to a range of family sizes and needs. The strategic arrangement of outdoor communal spaces further strengthens social bonds among residents, supporting an interactive living environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection highlights a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, employing a palette that includes laminated wood beams, prefabricated elements, and high-performance insulation to enhance thermal comfort. Photovoltaic panels on rooftops promote energy self-sufficiency, while large glass facades create visual connections with the outdoors. Furthermore, the use of recycled materials minimizes environmental impact, aligning with the project's overarching goal of ecological sensitivity. The thoughtful integration of these materials contributes to a design that meets both functional and environmental objectives.

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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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