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Affordable urban housing featuring embodied carbon plywood and EPDM membrane for sustainable living

Author:
Craig More
Affordable urban housing featuring embodied carbon plywood and EPDM membrane for sustainable living

Project in-detail

This innovative urban housing project redefines affordability by seamlessly integrating embodied carbon plywood and EPDM membrane within adaptable living units, fostering community engagement and sustainable practices in a dynamic city environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The project incorporates thick mineral wool insulation to enhance thermal efficiency while maintaining soundproofing qualities.
02
Large format ceramic tiles are used for exterior cladding, providing durability and ease of maintenance in an urban setting.
03
Each housing unit offers flexible layouts that allow residents to modify their living spaces as their needs evolve over time.
04
A dedicated communal garden space is designed to foster social interactions among residents, adding value to the living experience.
05
The use of embodied carbon plywood emphasizes sustainability, contributing to a reduced environmental footprint throughout the building's lifecycle.
The project under analysis is a well-considered architectural endeavor that focuses on the development of affordable urban housing. It embodies a strategic response to the growing need for socially conscious living spaces in urban environments. This housing project not only seeks to provide shelter but also aims to foster a sense of community among its residents. By offering options for flexible space configurations, the project supports the varying needs of families, allowing them to occupy units sized either 60 or 90 square meters based on their financial capabilities.

The architecture of the project reflects a commitment to adaptability and communal living, establishing a framework where individual homes can evolve over time. This approach addresses the reality that as families grow or change, their living arrangements may need to adapt as well. The design encourages residents to modify their spaces, fostering a sense of ownership while reducing the cost of moving or significant renovations.

An integral part of the project is its communal garden at the ground level, which acts as a central point for social interaction. This space not only enhances the aesthetic value of the living environment but also serves practical functions—for relaxation, gathering, and even hosting small markets or workshops. The building's first-floor communal area is conceived to be multifunctional, which emphasizes community engagement and cooperation among residents. This design choice highlights the importance of social interaction in urban living, reinforcing the idea that home extends beyond the private unit.

The project showcases a thoughtful approach to materials, incorporating thick mineral wool insulation that contributes to energy efficiency and structural integrity. The use of EPDM membrane for roofing ensures weather resistance and durability, while large format ceramic tiles create an appealing external façade that requires minimal maintenance. Plywood with embodied carbon adds not only an aesthetic touch but also supports thermal and acoustic insulation within the units, enhancing residents’ comfort.

The environmental sustainability embedded within this architectural design is noteworthy. The design promotes natural ventilation, which cultivates an airflow that reduces reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Additionally, the ample window spaces maximize natural light, thus elevating the quality of life for residents. This acknowledgment of sustainability extends to the selection of materials, which reflects a conscientious effort to reduce the carbon footprint associated with building.

One of the unique features of the design is the flexibility it offers. The internal layout allows residents to reconfigure their space as their needs evolve. This adaptability may include creating additional rooms or expanding communal areas, all without significant structural alterations. Such flexibility promotes a long-term relationship between residents and their homes, highlighting the project’s commitment to accommodating the dynamics of urban living.

In terms of architectural forms, the design strikes a balance between functional and inviting. The articulation of the building’s massing creates visual interest, while still ensuring that the living spaces are practical and efficient. The overall aesthetic is contemporary, reflecting current architectural trends while providing a responsive solution to the issue of affordable housing.

This project serves as a reminder of how architecture can effectively respond to societal needs through thoughtful design. It invites viewers to consider how homes can be more than just shelter; they can be spaces that encourage community collaboration and personal growth. The architectural plans and sections reveal crucial insights into how these ideas are materialized in the project. By exploring the architectural designs and considering the architectural ideas presented, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of how this project maneuvers the complexities of urban living generously and thoughtfully. For more detailed insights, the project presentation is an excellent resource to delve deeper into its various architectural elements.
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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
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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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