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Pyramidal Structure Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber Panels for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Carrie Jim, Jessica Moon
Pyramidal Structure Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber Panels for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber panels, the pyramidal structure offers a modular design that maximizes natural ventilation and community interaction within an urban housing setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and sustainability.
02
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and reduce maintenance.
03
Innovative bent A-frame construction allows for increased natural light and airflow throughout the units.
04
Modular configurations enable adaptability for different family sizes and living arrangements.
05
Communal outdoor spaces are integrated to foster social interaction and community engagement.

## Overview
Located in Sydney, Australia, Pyrahomes addresses the pressing challenges of urban population growth and climate change while promoting community engagement. The project combines innovative architectural forms with sustainable practices, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of urban ecology and contemporary living requirements.

## Spatial Strategy and Flexibility
The project features a distinctive pyramidal structure that optimizes space utilization, providing interior volumes that benefit from natural light and ventilation. Each housing module can be configured in single or double arrangements, offering flexibility to adapt to varying demographic needs. This adaptability not only addresses housing shortages but also accommodates the diverse lifestyles of urban residents.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
Pyrahomes emphasizes sustainability through its choice of materials, predominantly timber and concrete, which contribute to natural cooling and energy efficiency. The use of glass in windows and facades further enhances these qualities. The triangular shape of the structure not only serves a functional purpose in improving cooling efficiency but also aligns with Sydney's climatic conditions, enhancing overall energy performance. Communal areas integrated into the design, such as shared kitchens, dining spaces, and outdoor facilities, encourage social interaction among residents and promote resource-sharing, ultimately aiming to lower individual utility costs.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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