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Sustainable Living Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glazing

Author:
Amabelle Corbita Aranas
Sustainable Living Enveloped in Charred Wooden Shingles and High-Performance Glazing

Project in-detail

Nestled within a sustainable framework, this residential tower employs charred wooden shingles and high-performance glazing to create a harmonious living environment that emphasizes energy efficiency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a distinctive aesthetic texture.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and allows for dynamic interior spaces.
04
Integrated solar panels significantly reduce energy reliance and promote self-sufficiency.
05
Community areas are designed to encourage resident interaction and foster social connections.

### Project Overview

Located in Hemel Hempstead, UK, the proposed development embodies a commitment to sustainability and affordable luxury within urban residential design. Originally conceived in 2016, the project aspires to set a benchmark in environmentally responsible living through innovative architectural solutions that blend modern lifestyle needs with the intent to significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

### Spatial Strategy and Aesthetics

The design features a distinctive spiral form, contributing to an organic silhouette within the urban skyline. A rhythmic arrangement of balconies enhances both visual dynamism and private outdoor space for residents. The architecture prioritizes communal interaction, incorporating shared areas that encourage social engagement, including a central wooden circular seating arrangement. This layout not only facilitates community connections but also enriches the overall residential experience.

### Materiality and Sustainable Systems

The material palette emphasizes sustainability and performance. High-performance glazing is utilized to maximize natural light while ensuring thermal efficiency. Sustainable timber elements enhance both aesthetic appeal and functionality, particularly in communal areas. The structural integrity of the building is supported by durable stone and concrete, contributing to its longevity.

In terms of sustainability, the design incorporates several advanced systems, including strategically placed solar panels for energy generation, electric vehicle charging stations, and efficient heat pumps to provide climate control. Additionally, the landscape design incorporates green roofs and plant installations, improving air quality and promoting biodiversity. The multifaceted green dome feature serves as a focal point for residents, providing sheltered areas for relaxation and interaction with nature.

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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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