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Charred Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enhance Urban Community Wellness Spaces

Authors:
William Lentjes, Rebecca Robinson, Michael Phaff
Charred Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enhance Urban Community Wellness Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and equipped with advanced air purification systems, the design fosters community wellness by integrating lush vertical gardens and multifunctional spaces in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates advanced air purification technology to improve indoor air quality.
03
Features vertical gardens that contribute to biodiversity and community interaction.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient structural performance.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and ventilation.

# Analytical Report on the Architectural Design Project: "Liberated Awareness"

## Conceptual Framework

Located in a dynamic urban environment, the project aims to create a space that fosters community interaction while prioritizing ethical and sustainable architectural practices. The design draws from a framework of ethics, technology, and aesthetics, facilitating an environment conducive to social engagement and environmental stewardship. This multifaceted approach is intended to enhance both individual and collective user experiences within the space.

### Ethical Framework

A core aspect of the design is its emphasis on sustainable and community-oriented development. The ethical considerations of the project highlight the role architecture can play in promoting social responsibility, shaping human interactions, and encouraging positive behavior within urban settings. By prioritizing community needs, the project underscores the importance of designing spaces that enhance well-being and connectivity among users.

### Technological Integration

The incorporation of advanced technology is designed to improve user experience and environmental quality. Features such as air purification systems with HEPA filters and VOC filtering mechanisms demonstrate a commitment to health and well-being. An Air Purifying Tower, specifically designed to address urban air quality challenges, exemplifies the integration of innovative solutions to enhance the living environment.

## Spatial Organization and Materiality

### Spatial Strategy

The project exhibits a well-defined spatial hierarchy that incorporates open access areas, individual living units, and communal facilities. The layout encourages interaction and accessibility, with designated spaces including a community room for social gatherings, private patios for personal respite, and reception areas for seamless visitor engagement. This strategic organization reinforces the balance between public and private zones, fostering a cohesive community dynamic.

### Material Choice

The selection of materials plays a pivotal role in shaping the project's identity. Wood is utilized for both structural and aesthetic purposes, emphasizing a connection to nature and sustainability. Glass elements facilitate natural light flow while enhancing transparency and visibility of interior spaces. Concrete is employed in foundational elements, ensuring durability and resilience. Additionally, the air purifying components reflect a commitment to technological enhancement aimed at improving indoor air quality.

## Site Integration and Engagement

The design recognizes the significance of its geographic context, integrating the project into the existing urban fabric. Urban maps included in the analysis highlight key landmarks, pedestrian routes, and green spaces, underscoring the design's responsiveness to its surroundings. The concept of an active public zone not only encourages community interactions but also enhances accessibility to the site, ultimately fostering a stronger community presence.

## Unique Design Features

1. **Active Public Zone**: The project features an active public zone that mirrors and engages with surrounding urban forms, promoting communal activities and interaction.

2. **Air Purification System**: The innovative air purification towers are a distinguishing characteristic, directly addressing urban health issues by prioritizing air quality.

3. **Social Interaction Spaces**: Elements designed for communal gathering enhance the potential for social engagement, critical for enriching urban life.

4. **Sustainable Practices**: The use of solar panels and environmentally-conscious materials aligns with modern architectural trends aimed at reducing ecological footprints.

This detailed approach to design reflects a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between architecture and community, with the intent to create spaces that promote well-being and sustainability in an urban context.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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