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Elevated Living Spaces with Thermally Modified Wood and Natural Light

Author:
Joshua Jones
Elevated Living Spaces with Thermally Modified Wood and Natural Light

Project in-detail

Elevated on sturdy pier foundations, the structure incorporates thermally modified wood and generous openings for natural light, creating a resilient living environment that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure designed to withstand flooding.
02
Utilizes thermally modified wood for enhanced durability.
03
Generous glazing fosters natural light and ventilation.
04
Inclusive layout features external spaces for diverse needs.
05
Identifies community heritage through adaptive in-fill design.

The Wedgewood House is located in Pensacola, Florida, a community that has recently faced the challenges posed by Hurricane Sally. The design aims to provide not just a physical shelter but also a space that promotes a sense of belonging and emotional healing for residents. By focusing on community connection and resilience, the Wedgewood House addresses both immediate concerns and the long-term needs of its inhabitants.

Resilient Design

The project features an adaptable modular framework that enriches the neighborhood while honoring its historical context. Elevated pier foundations protect against flooding, a crucial design element given the area's vulnerability to storms. This elevation creates a welcoming interaction with the landscape, allowing for opportunities such as rooftop overlooks where residents can gather and engage with one another.



Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light and ventilation play an essential role in the living spaces. The design includes operable windows and large glazed garage doors that connect indoor areas to the outdoors. This thoughtful choice enhances airflow in the home and helps create a strong relationship with nature, contributing to a healthy living environment.



Inclusive Layout

An inclusive layout is a core aspect of the design, accommodating diverse accessibility needs within the community. The project features two distinct levels of external spaces, providing different experiences for residents. This consideration for inclusivity ensures that all individuals can engage with their surroundings, whether in private areas or communal spaces for social interaction.



Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and durability. The exterior incorporates a rain screen made from thermally modified wood, providing protection while adding to the building's visual appeal. A steel framework offers structural stability, while a ceramic coating applied to the walls improves energy efficiency, aligning with the project's overall design goals.

The project culminates in an inviting exterior deck that extends from the living space, promoting outdoor gatherings and fostering a sense of community.

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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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