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Timber Cladding and Mineral Insulation in a Flexible Community Habitat

Authors:
Natasa Andrei, Carmen Ivan, Raluca Popp, Alexandru Ivanciu
Timber Cladding and Mineral Insulation in a Flexible Community Habitat

Project in-detail

Built with a Cross Laminated Timber system and enhanced by mineral insulation, the flexible living space fosters community interaction while integrating sustainable features for modern residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross Laminated Timber panels provide structural strength and sustainability.
02
The design includes an innovative solar powerwall for energy efficiency.
03
Outdoor areas are integrated to enhance community interaction and well-being.
04
A continuous air gap improves ventilation and thermal performance.
05
Rainwater collection systems support eco-friendly living practices.

Habitat 2 presents a flexible living space that caters to couples and small communities. The design aims to fit well into various settings, whether in a bustling city or a quiet rural area, while encouraging connections among residents. The main idea focuses on sustainability, modularity, and a close relationship with nature, resulting in a practical solution for modern living.

Sustainable Design Approach

The layout of Habitat 2 incorporates several essential spaces, such as a bathroom, dressing area, sleeping quarters, kitchen, outdoor area, living room, and areas for working and dining. This smart arrangement maximizes space, balancing personal privacy with shared experiences. Outdoor spaces are prioritized, enabling residents to enjoy their surroundings and engage in various communal activities.

Material Selection

In Habitat 2, materials are chosen for their sustainability and effectiveness. The standing seam metal roof ensures durability and resists weather damage, while the waterproof membrane protects the interior from moisture. To improve energy efficiency, mineral wool insulation and extruded polystyrene insulation are used, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

Structural Integration

The building’s structure relies on a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) system, which offers both strength and environmentally friendly benefits. Timber cladding on the exterior provides a natural look that blends with the environment. A continuous air gap is also included, which enhances ventilation and contributes to energy efficiency throughout the living space.

Spatial Organization

The cross sections of Habitat 2 highlight the careful planning of private and shared areas to create a balanced living experience. This arrangement allows the building to function as both a home and a space for social interactions. Each design element, from the layout to the chosen spaces, is intended to improve the lives of residents while emphasizing respect for the environment.

The design invites residents to connect with nature through thoughtfully integrated outdoor areas, promoting a lifestyle that values personal comfort and community.

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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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