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Elevated Living Spaces with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Mike Shaw, John Proctor
Elevated Living Spaces with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Constructed from cross-laminated timber and clad with charred wooden shingles, these stackable microhomes offer sustainable urban living while maximizing space efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize interior space and functionality.
04
Integrates renewable energy systems, including solar panels, for reduced energy consumption.
05
Features modular layouts that allow for customizable living configurations.
The Mini/Maxi Sustainable Stackable Microhomes project delivers a strategic architectural response to the pressing need for efficient urban housing. Located in an urban parkland setting, this project is designed to accommodate high-density living while promoting sustainability and fostering community engagement. The microhome concept prioritizes both the living experience and environmental considerations, offering adaptable and flexible housing solutions.

Modular design facilitates the construction of two distinctive unit types: Mini and Maxi. The Mini units focus on basic living essentials, making them ideal for affordability and efficiency, while the Maxi units offer more space and premium features, enhancing the living experience within a compact area. The stacked arrangement of these microhomes allows developers to efficiently utilize vertical space, creating opportunities for increased residential density without sacrificing individual livability.

Innovative Design Approaches
A key feature of this project is its emphasis on modularity and sustainability. The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT) as the primary structural material not only enhances the building's ecological footprint but also improves construction speed and quality. CLT is favored for its strength, reducing the carbon impact associated with conventional materials.

Furthermore, the integration of high-efficiency glazing systems maximizes natural light and airflow, reducing the dependency on artificial lighting and climate control. This aspect optimizes energy consumption, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals. The design also incorporates outdoor living spaces, such as balconies and terraces, which not only enhance the residents' quality of life but also the building’s integration with its surroundings.

Community-Focused Design
Community engagement plays a critical role in the architectural design of this project. Shared communal areas are strategically placed within the microhome configuration, promoting social interaction among residents. These spaces are designed to facilitate lifestyle activities and foster relationships, contributing to a sense of belonging within a densely populated environment.

Additionally, the project adopts energy-efficient systems, including solar panels and smart appliances, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. The unique design elements—ranging from adaptable layouts to the emphasis on outdoor spaces—distinguish this project from traditional urban housing solutions.

Explore the project presentation to dive deeper into architectural plans, sections, and designs that provide further insights into the innovative ideas behind this microhome initiative. Understanding these architectural elements can illustrate how they collectively contribute to a sustainable urban living framework, making this project a relevant case study in modern architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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