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Rooftop Living with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Design Solutions

Rooftop Living with Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Sustainable Design Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels, this rooftop development integrates modular microhomes that enhance urban density while providing sustainable living solutions in a compact format.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural and aesthetic efficiency.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Modular units are prefabricated off-site for quick and precise assembly.
05
Focuses on urban rooftop spaces to maximize existing infrastructure and minimize urban sprawl.

## Project Overview
"Live On Top" introduces a strategic housing solution that targets the growing demand for affordable living spaces in dense urban centers, specifically in cities like Berlin and New York. Leveraging underutilized rooftop spaces atop existing high-rise buildings, this initiative aims to create modular prefabricated microhomes that provide efficient housing options while mitigating environmental impact and minimizing disruption to the urban landscape.

### Sustainable Integration and Impact
The project emphasizes sustainability through the adaptive reuse of infrastructure, significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with new construction. It promotes ongoing maintenance contributions from occupants to support the integrity of the host buildings, thereby fostering a sense of community ownership. By optimizing rooftop spaces, "Live On Top" not only enhances urban density but also curtails the need for new developments on greenfield sites, helping to protect natural landscapes.

### Material Selection and Design Features
The structural framework of the microhomes is built using modern materials, including Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Kingspan insulation systems, which ensure energy efficiency and durability. Each unit features compact, multifunctional living areas that maximize space through intelligent design elements such as smart storage solutions and foldable furniture. Aesthetically, the facade incorporates contemporary design principles that harmonize with the urban surroundings, utilizing distinct colors and angles for visual appeal. Additional features such as integrated photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting systems enhance the ecological footprint of the project while improving the overall living experience for residents.

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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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