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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.

**Overview and Context**

Located near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Baylink Habitat addresses the city's pressing housing crisis by integrating innovative residential units with public amenities. This project leverages underutilized urban spaces, particularly those beneath the bridge, to create a cohesive living environment that balances land use with environmental stewardship. The architectural design promotes a narrative of urban living that emphasizes community interaction, diverse housing options, and accessibility.

**Spatial Strategy and Configurations**

The Baylink Habitat employs a modular arrangement of living units designed to accommodate a variety of residents, ranging from singles to families. Unit types vary from one-bedroom to three-bedroom configurations, allowing for flexibility in residency. The layout promotes an open-floor concept, fostering social interaction and maximizing spatial efficiency. Additionally, public walkways are strategically designed to connect residential units to outdoor gardens and community hubs, thus enhancing engagement among residents.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The selection of materials for Baylink Habitat reflects a commitment to durability and ecological responsibility. Bright red steel frames provide structural integrity and visual connectivity to the adjacent Golden Gate Bridge, while large glass facades allow for natural light and visual continuity with the surrounding environment. Sustainable timber is used in key areas for warmth, and the incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens enhances urban biodiversity. This material strategy not only supports the project’s aesthetic goals but also aligns with sustainable building practices that promote ecological health.

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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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