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Charred Shingles and Green Roofs Elevate Urban Living Beneath Infrastructure

Authors:
Byeonghyeon Kim, Tae Hoon Lim, Haichan Yang, Dongyoung Shim
Charred Shingles and Green Roofs Elevate Urban Living Beneath Infrastructure

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and green roofs, this design transforms neglected under-bridge spaces into functional residential units that foster community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features green roofs that contribute to biodiversity and stormwater management.
04
Integrates community spaces beneath infrastructure to promote social interaction.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.

## Overview

The project aims to transform underutilized spaces beneath urban bridges into residential communities, addressing housing shortages while integrating with existing urban infrastructure. Located in proximity to urban amenities and public transportation, the site presents an opportunity for innovative architectural solutions that enhance livability and environmental quality within these overlooked areas.

## Spatial Organization

The design adopts a modular approach, incorporating a variety of housing typologies, including single rooms, double rooms, and family units. This strategy supports diverse living configurations while prioritizing both communal interaction and individual privacy. Each modular unit is organized to optimize spatial efficiency, ensuring that residents can enjoy comfortable living spaces with adequate natural light and ventilation.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Reinforced concrete forms the structural framework, ensuring durability and resistance to environmental factors. Wood finishes provide warmth and a biophilic connection, while expansive glass elements enhance natural light and connectivity to the surrounding environment. The inclusion of green roof systems contributes to both thermal performance and urban biodiversity.

In emphasizing sustainability, the design integrates green infrastructure throughout the residential environment, creating areas that promote biodiversity and residents' well-being. Energy-efficient appliances and high-performance insulation minimize environmental impact, complemented by rainwater harvesting systems that seek to reduce dependency on municipal resources.

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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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