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Incremental Living Spaces Constructed with Charred Wooden Shingles and Eco-Friendly Materials

Author:
Johan Gullers
Incremental Living Spaces Constructed with Charred Wooden Shingles and Eco-Friendly Materials

Project in-detail

Constructed using charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design adapts to rising water levels while fostering community interaction in a resilient coastal living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to provide structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and optimizes natural light.
04
Integrates a biofiltration water management system to promote sustainability.
05
Designed to adapt to fluctuating water levels, ensuring resilience in a changing climate.

The ON & OFF House is an architectural project located in Refshaleøen, Copenhagen, which responds to the challenges posed by climate change, particularly the threat of rising sea levels. This design integrates concepts of adaptability, sustainability, and community engagement, presenting a new model for urban living in a waterfront context. The project emphasizes a dual nature of urban spaces—the necessity to be both connected to existing infrastructures and independent in resource management.

The ON & OFF House serves as a living space that adapts to fluctuating water levels and environmental conditions. Housing functional zones for living, working, and recreation, the design maximizes flexibility to accommodate a range of activities. By employing a layout that allows for movable partitions and multifunctional furnishings, the house can transform based on user needs and climatic realities.

Architectural integration with the surrounding environment is key to the project’s innovation. The use of materials such as reinforced concrete, wood, solar panels, and advanced water filtration systems underscores a commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the inclusion of green spaces within and around the structure fosters an ecologically harmonious atmosphere, encouraging interactions with nature.

Adaptability in design is notably a central theme of the ON & OFF House. It positions the structure as an incremental dwelling that can evolve over time. This approach diverges from conventional static housing solutions by allowing incremental modifications in response to emerging needs. By anticipating and incorporating the potential for future changes—whether cultural, technological, or climatic—the project formulates a framework for sustainable urban living. This flexibility addresses societal trends and prepares the structure for the exigencies of urban life in a changing climate.

The unique design of the ON & OFF House leads to a balanced relationship between nature and urbanity. The strategic placement of the house incorporates views of the waterfront, allowing for seamless integration with maritime activities. This approach not only enhances the living experience but also acknowledges the significance of public space in urban environments. By cultivating recreational areas and promoting community interaction, the ON & OFF House acts as a catalyst for social cohesion within the greater urban fabric.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural elements involved, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentations of the ON & OFF House project. These resources will provide deeper insights into the innovative architectural ideas that define this project.

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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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