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Elevated Structure Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Straw Insulation for Integrated Community Spaces

Authors:
Florante Jr. Casal, Rosalio III Yap
Elevated Structure Featuring Charred Wooden Shingles and Straw Insulation for Integrated Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and straw insulation, the elevated design harmonizes with its surroundings to create a multifunctional community space that fosters social interaction and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes land disruption while maximizing views.
02
Integration of straw insulation enhances thermal performance and sustainability.
03
Curved, seamless curtain walls provide unobstructed panoramic vistas.
04
Green roof system supports biodiversity and effective rainwater management.
05
Combined multifunctional zones foster community interaction and engagement.

### Project Overview
Located within a carefully considered landscape, the design emphasizes a sustainable approach to architecture that harmonizes with local ecosystems. Inspired by the natural form of an unrolling fern frond, the layout enhances functionality while integrating seamlessly into the surrounding environment. The buildings are designed to perform efficiently, creating a welcoming and engaging environment for visitors.

### Spatial Arrangement and User Interaction
The architectural layout promotes a circular form, optimizing spatial efficiency and airflow, which is vital for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. The circular design encourages social interaction and establishes a community-centric atmosphere. Key features include elevated structures that provide expansive views of the landscape, and curtain walls that facilitate an ongoing connection between indoor and outdoor areas. This integration allows guests to experience the natural surroundings while enjoying enhanced accessibility to multiple functional zones, including a visitor shop, spa, playground, and vegetable garden.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives
The project employs a curated selection of sustainable materials, balancing environmental responsibility with aesthetic appeal. Exterior wood siding provides durability and aligns with biophilic design principles, while pine wood is used throughout the interior for its warmth and renewable sourcing. The inclusion of straw insulation reduces thermal transfer, and a green roof system promotes biodiversity while managing water efficiency through rainwater capture. Solar panels and grey water tanks further underscore the commitment to sustainability, streamlining resource use and minimizing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

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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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