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Charred Shingles and Steel Frames Redefining Urban Living Through Modular Housing

Authors:
Tan Dai Le, Ka Heun Hyun, Yanjiu Bai
Charred Shingles and Steel Frames Redefining Urban Living Through Modular Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and steel frames, the design offers modular housing solutions that seamlessly integrate with San Francisco's urban landscape while fostering community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and light distribution.
04
Includes vertical gardens to promote urban biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Integrates modular housing units, allowing flexibility in layout and occupancy.
The Baylink Habitat is an architectural project located in San Francisco, responding effectively to the city's urgent housing challenges. This project integrates residential environments with communal spaces, designed to enhance social interaction while considering environmental sustainability. The architecture emphasizes functionality and adaptability, prioritizing diverse housing types to cater to a wide range of residents, from individuals to families.

The project strategically utilizes underutilized urban spaces, particularly beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, to create a unique fabric of living and community engagement. It encapsulates a blend of modular housing units, public walkways, and green spaces, ensuring that both individual and collective needs are met. The emphasis on community-driven spaces aims to foster a sense of belonging among residents, creating an interconnected urban experience.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinct feature of the Baylink Habitat is its mixed-use zoning, allowing for an integration of residential units with commercial amenities. This approach not only maximizes land use but also creates an environment conducive to social interaction. The architecture integrates transparent glass facades and steel frames, connecting inhabitants to their surroundings and providing a visual dialogue with the landscape.

Sustainable design is a cornerstone of this project. The use of green roofs and vertical gardens enhances urban biodiversity and acknowledges the importance of ecological health in urban settings. Additionally, the materials selected, such as sustainable timber and steel, reflect a commitment to durability while minimizing the environmental footprint of construction.

Architectural Design Elements

The architectural design incorporates a variety of unit types—ranging from one to three-bedroom configurations—allowing flexibility in living arrangements. This diversity is key to addressing the housing needs of the community and promoting inclusivity. Public walkways serve as conduits for movement, linking different sections of the project and allowing for multiple social engagement opportunities.

Natural light plays a vital role in the interior spaces, with large spans of glazing designed to optimize brightness while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. This conscious approach extends to the overall planning of the site, where careful consideration of orientation and landscaping enhances the natural character of the habitat.

For anyone interested in exploring the Baylink Habitat further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas will offer deeper insights into the project’s innovative concepts and functional strategies. The thoughtfully designed environment provides a model for future urban developments prioritizing both community and sustainability.
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Enter an open architecture
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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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