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Charred Brick Facades Accompanying Communal Green Spaces in Urban Housing Development

Authors:
Ana Rolim, Larissa Falavigna, André Figueiredo, Brenda Ciríaco
Charred Brick Facades Accompanying Communal Green Spaces in Urban Housing Development

Project in-detail

Charred brick facades envelop communal green spaces, promoting urban sustainability and social connectivity within a diverse residential complex designed to adapt to various living arrangements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred brick facades provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural performance while reducing carbon footprint.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for increased interior space and natural light.
04
Rooftop gardens integrate greenery and promote biodiversity within the urban setting.
05
Communal areas are strategically placed to foster social interaction among residents.

The architecture project titled "London Calling" represents a contemporary approach to urban housing that emphasizes community integration and individual adaptability in a dense metropolitan environment. Located in London, this design seeks to address pressing housing needs through thoughtful planning and innovative architectural solutions. The project features a range of housing types, enhancing the diversity and functionality of the living spaces.

The overall design incorporates a variety of unit types, including terraced houses, communal courtyards, and interconnected spaces that foster social interaction. This attention to the spatial arrangement reflects an understanding of the importance of community engagement. The integration of outdoor spaces, such as rooftop gardens and shared terraces, not only promotes social activities but also contributes to environmental sustainability.


Integration of Unique Architectural Approaches

A distinguishing characteristic of "London Calling" is its non-monumental architectural approach, which eschews the traditional imposing structures often found in urban settings. Instead, this project focuses on empathy and creating environments that encourage connections among residents. Each residential unit is designed to adapt to different lifestyles, accommodating a wide range of demographics from singles to families.

The emphasis on materiality is also noteworthy. The use of prefabricated red brick-faced concrete panels for exterior walls provides both durability and aesthetic appeal. Windows framed in dark gray aluminum not only enhance thermal performance but also align visually with the overall architectural language. The construction employs a light steel post-and-beam structural system that allows for flexible interior layouts, contributing to the adaptability of the living spaces.


Focus on Sustainable and Efficient Design

The project further distinguishes itself through its commitment to sustainability. Incorporating green roofs and incorporating natural ventilation contributes to energy efficiency and reduces the urban heat island effect. Shared outdoor areas promote community interaction while enhancing residents' quality of life. The design incorporates principles of active transportation, ensuring ease of access to public transport and local amenities.

The thoughtful arrangement of communal spaces, coupled with private residential units, strikes a balance that addresses both individual privacy and community needs. This comprehensive consideration reflects a profound understanding of modern urban living dynamics.

For further exploration of the architectural plans, design concepts, and sections of this project, readers are encouraged to review the full project presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas and design outcomes of "London Calling."

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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