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Sustainable Microhome With Weathered Siberian Larch Cladding and Cross Laminated Timber Framework

Author:
David Huntly-grant
Sustainable Microhome With Weathered Siberian Larch Cladding and Cross Laminated Timber Framework

Project in-detail

Constructed with weathered Siberian Larch cladding and Cross Laminated Timber, this microhome features a private courtyard and a flexible layout that accommodates diverse living and working needs within a compact footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with 95% recyclable materials.
02
Features a private courtyard integrated into the living space.
03
Utilizes a smart building system for efficient prefabrication.
04
Large sliding windows designed for optimal natural ventilation.
05
Focuses on adaptability for future site conditions and needs.

The 3 Box House offers a thoughtful take on urban living, combining sustainability, adaptability, and smart use of space within a compact design. Located in a typical urban setting, the house addresses modern lifestyle requirements through an organized layout. By dividing various functional areas into three boxes, the design optimizes natural light across different spaces while enhancing the connection to the surrounding environment.

Design Concept

The arrangement of the house features clearly defined areas for storage, a bathroom, cooking, sleeping, and living or working. This thoughtful layout maximizes the available space, enabling each area to serve its intended purpose effectively. A private courtyard adds a calming outdoor element, easily accessed from the main living spaces. This feature allows residents to enjoy the outdoors, creating a sense of freedom and comfort.

Structural Integrity

Constructed primarily from wood, the framework reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and an aim to minimize environmental impacts. The design employs a smart building system, which facilitates prefabrication. This method not only improves construction efficiency but also allows the house to adapt to changes in site conditions or resident needs over time. This flexibility is important in urban areas that are constantly evolving.

Material Performance

The structural details reveal important aspects of the design. Weathered Siberian Larch cladding provides both durability and a natural appearance that blends well with the environment. The use of a 100mm wood fiber insulation board and a cavity batten system enhances the house's thermal performance. Cross Laminated Timber, utilized in the wall panels, combines strength with sustainability, supporting efforts to lower the carbon footprint.

Design Details

Large sliding windows offer natural ventilation and expansive views of the courtyard, enhancing the daily experience of living inside. A bespoke aluminum sliding door provides a functional yet attractive element that connects the interior and exterior spaces effectively. This design prioritizes openness while ensuring comfort, reflecting a modern approach to urban architecture where every detail is intentionally planned to improve daily life.

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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

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