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Charred Cedar Facades and Rainwater Harvesting in Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Hyunsu Kim, Brennan Thomas Monaghan, David Siddall, Spencer Allan Bezruki
Charred Cedar Facades and Rainwater Harvesting in Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred cedar facades and a rainwater harvesting system, the design creates an adaptable urban living space that fosters community interaction and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes rainwater harvesting integrated into the building’s design for efficient water management.
02
Features a central courtyard designed to promote community interaction among residents.
03
Charred cedar shingles provide weather resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
04
Interior spaces are designed with multifunctional furniture to maximize usability.
05
Strategically placed skylights optimize natural light while ensuring energy efficiency.

### Project Overview
Carve House is situated in a dense urban environment in Toronto, where the need for affordable and sustainable housing is increasingly pressing. This contemporary architectural intervention addresses the complexities of urban living by creating community-oriented spaces that prioritize both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The design seeks to provide housing solutions that foster connectivity among residents while leveraging innovative materials and strategies to meet diverse demographic needs.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout of Carve House is intentionally organized to promote an efficient flow between communal and private spaces. Upon entry, residents and visitors are greeted by a foyer that leads to a central courtyard garden, serving as a focal point for social interaction. The living area integrates cooking, dining, and leisure spaces, facilitating versatile use according to the occupants' lifestyle. Private rooms are designed with ergonomics in mind, incorporating multifunctional furniture that allows for adaptable space management. This layout not only optimizes limited footprints but also enriches the overall living experience through an emphasis on communal activities and individual comfort.

### Material Selection
The material choices in Carve House reinforce its ecological and social commitments. Birch plywood is used for interior finishes, providing warmth and aesthetic appeal, while exterior cedar ensures durability against environmental elements. Blackened steel elements offer structural resilience while contributing to the building's urban character. Large windows and skylights enhance natural light and ventilation, strengthening the connection between interior spaces and the surrounding environment. Additionally, the concrete foundation incorporates a water collection system that supports sustainable practices by managing rainwater for irrigation and other uses.

### Unique Features
Noteworthy innovations in Carve House include a rainwater harvesting system that channels water from the roof to the courtyard, promoting ecological sustainability. The flexible interior layout is achieved through custom-built furniture units, allowing for easy reconfiguration to accommodate various activities such as work or social gatherings. Strategic window placement maximizes natural light while minimizing heat gain, ensuring energy efficiency throughout the home. Furthermore, the integration of natural elements and garden spaces within the design contributes to residents' mental well-being and enhances the urban ecological fabric.

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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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