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Harmonious Living Designed with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Landscaping

Authors:
Elizabeth Cerny, Suzanne Stawiarski, Kayla O'connor, Ariana Irizarry
Harmonious Living Designed with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Landscaping

Project in-detail

Crafted with cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design integrates seamlessly with the landscape to create a sustainable community living space that emphasizes connectivity and environmental harmony.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels to enhance sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for both durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates native vegetation throughout the site to promote local biodiversity.
05
Includes rainwater harvesting systems to support efficient resource management.

### Overview
Located within a picturesque landscape reminiscent of traditional Portuguese villages, the project "Cascade" serves as both a residential complex and a communal hub. Its design fosters a sense of community while harmonizing with the natural environment, aiming to create a multifaceted living space that supports diverse lifestyles.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The architectural layout features interconnected structures that flow in accordance with the site's natural contours. This arrangement not only facilitates interaction among residents but also encourages a shared sense of belonging. The design includes welcoming entry points and communal areas that promote engagement, while private living spaces are designed for flexibility and comfort, accommodating varying social dynamics. Key amenities, such as lounges, a library, and wellness facilities, are strategically positioned to enhance community interaction.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material palette reflects a commitment to integrating the built environment with nature. Extensive use of wood for façade treatments evokes warmth and facilitates visual continuity with the surroundings. Local stone contributes to both the structural integrity and the tactile quality of the architecture. Large glass openings enhance natural light penetration and provide views of the outdoor landscape. Sustainability is prioritized through passive design strategies, including optimal building orientation for daylight maximization and natural ventilation systems, thereby reducing overall energy consumption. Integration of native flora in the landscaping further supports biodiversity and enriches the environment.

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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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