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Hydraulic Lift Residence with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Joel Alberto Abreu Mejia, Aliusha Graziella Diaz Lerebours, Michel Maggiolo
Hydraulic Lift Residence with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Elevated above flood levels, the residence employs a hydraulic lift system and incorporates cross-laminated timber with charred wooden shingles, creating a sustainable living space that adapts to environmental challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated hydraulic lift system adjusts the home according to flood levels.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles improve durability and provide fire resistance.
04
Bent A-frame design optimizes natural ventilation and aesthetics.
05
Integrated aquaponics system supports local food production on-site.

## Overview

The Oregano project is an elevated eco-sustainable residence designed to address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly flooding and displacement. Strategically located in regions susceptible to extreme weather, the design integrates advanced technologies and smart design principles to foster resilience and sustainability. It emphasizes functionality while maintaining a strong sense of community through adaptable spaces that accommodate various activities.

## Spatial Configuration and Interaction

The residence covers an area of 25 square meters, optimizing space without compromising comfort. Its open layout features a central area that combines the living room, kitchen, and dining space, promoting interaction among occupants while providing versatility for different uses. The strategic division between communal areas and private quarters, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, ensures both social engagement and individual privacy, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

## Innovative Resilience Features

A key element of the structure is its hydraulic lifting system, which employs water-filled chambers to elevate the building in response to rising floodwaters, thereby enhancing safety. The elevated design not only protects the residence but also ensures access to natural surroundings and vistas. Furthermore, sustainable strategies such as a rooftop rainwater harvesting system contribute to self-sufficiency in water needs, while on-site vegetable gardens and aquaponics facilities promote sustainable food sourcing. Materials selected for the project include recycled wood for cladding, energy-efficient glass, water-resistant coatings, and green insulation, all chosen to maximize durability and minimize environmental impact.

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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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