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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create A Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Orrin Goldsby, Shao-lun Chien
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create A Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design merges sustainability with modern living solutions to create an inclusive community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and an aesthetic connection to natural landscapes.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used extensively, promoting rapid assembly and reducing the project's carbon footprint.
03
A community bridge features prominently, facilitating interaction and connectivity among residents within the complex.
04
The bent A-frame design enhances structural integrity while offering distinctive interior spaces filled with natural light.
05
Integrated green infrastructure, such as living walls and rooftop gardens, supports biodiversity and the well-being of residents.
The architectural project focused on providing affordable housing in San Francisco represents a thoughtful response to one of the city's most pressing challenges. With a significant portion of the population facing housing instability, this design aims to create not just living spaces but a cohesive community environment where residents can thrive. The project embodies a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and innovative design practices, making it an important development in the ongoing conversation around urban living.

At its core, this architectural endeavor serves multiple functions. It provides housing options that cater to diverse family needs, from single individuals to larger families, ensuring that a wide range of residents can find a suitable place to live. However, the project goes beyond mere shelter; it is designed to foster connections among residents, encouraging social interaction and collaboration. The integration of communal spaces, such as parks and gathering areas, facilitates opportunities for engagement, transforming the living environment into a vibrant community.

The design features several important elements that contribute to its overall effectiveness. One of the most notable aspects is the spatial configuration, which promotes openness and accessibility. The layout includes a series of interconnected green spaces that act as both recreational areas and social hubs for residents. By prioritizing outdoor areas, the design encourages interaction and offers a unique sense of place within the urban landscape.

The architectural approach emphasizes sustainability through the use of materials such as wood composites for structural components and glass to maximize natural light. The choice of these materials not only aligns with modern design principles but also supports energy efficiency. Living walls and planters incorporated into the design exemplify a commitment to green infrastructure, enhancing biodiversity in the city and improving air quality for all inhabitants.

In terms of unique design approaches, this project employs modular construction techniques that allow for flexibility in living arrangements and adaptability over time. This method not only expedites the construction process but also provides opportunities for reconfiguration as community needs evolve. Furthermore, the use of a community bridge—an architectural feature that connects different living quarters—serves to break down barriers among residents, promoting a sense of belonging and collective identity.

The design also responds to the realities of urban living by including multifamily units that are affordable and efficient. Attention has been given to the acoustics and spatial arrangement to ensure privacy while still maintaining a communal atmosphere. Additionally, the project engages with local architectural traditions, carefully considering scale and materials to fit within the existing context of San Francisco’s neighborhoods.

This architectural venture is an important step towards addressing economic segregation, offering a model for future developments in urban areas facing similar challenges. By creating an environment that encourages community engagement and higher quality of life for its residents, this project exemplifies purposeful architecture that is acutely aware of its social impacts.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project, it is highly encouraged to explore the detailed presentation to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its innovative ideas and practical applications. This analysis merely scratches the surface of what the project represents and how it aims to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive urban landscape in San Francisco.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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