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Treehousing Through Deconstruction with Community Roots

Author:
Wolfgang Lackner
Treehousing Through Deconstruction with Community Roots

Project in-detail

By reimagining the use of local trees through careful deconstruction techniques, the design creates adaptable living spaces that foster community connection and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes local trees through a deconstruction approach for building materials.
02
Adaptable design allows customization to fit various community needs.
03
Incorporates natural elements to enhance ecological integration.
04
Features intricate joinery that highlights the craftsmanship of tree construction.
05
Engages local residents in the building process, fostering a sense of community.

The design emphasizes a strong connection to nature, reflecting a relationship between human living spaces and the surrounding environment. Situated in a context that blends built structures with natural elements, the project seeks to redefine housing through practical yet innovative concepts. The goal is to create living spaces that work in harmony with their surroundings, focusing on a sustainable approach that respects local materials and ecological systems.

Conceptual Framework

The project involves a careful examination of traditional housing styles, showcasing the process of reworking trees into functional building elements. This includes slicing, sawing, and gluing trees back together. Here, trees are not just raw materials; they become integral parts of a new design. The approach balances the beauty of nature with the needs of human use, creating a thoughtful relationship between the two.

Adaptability and Community Engagement

Flexibility is a key feature, allowing various sizes and designs to cater to different needs and preferences. This adaptability makes it easier for the living space to fit within its environment. Furthermore, the project emphasizes community involvement, encouraging local residents to participate in the construction process. This involvement fosters a deeper connection to the space, enhancing the sense of ownership among the people who will live there.

Sustainable Practices

There is a clear focus on sourcing trees from the local environment, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. While specific materials are not detailed, the use of organic elements underscores an intent to reduce environmental impact. This design promotes a responsible form of architecture that values ecological relationships while addressing human needs.

The final design features intricate joinery techniques that reveal the beauty and strength of the trees used. These details not only highlight the skill involved in the construction but also serve as a gentle reminder of the natural source of the materials. The completed structure stands as a quiet testament to the harmony between human habitation and the earth.

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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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