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Charred Timber Cladding and Layered Roof Gardens in Sustainable Urban Housing

Authors:
Eszter Molnar, Kata Varju, Tianyu Zhao, Chang Lu
Charred Timber Cladding and Layered Roof Gardens in Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Charred timber cladding and layered roof gardens create a sustainable framework for urban living, providing adaptable housing solutions that promote community engagement in a densely populated setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Layered roof gardens promote biodiversity and offer communal outdoor spaces.
03
The design incorporates natural ventilation systems to optimize airflow and reduce energy use.
04
Modular units allow flexible living arrangements to accommodate diverse resident needs.
05
Precast concrete panels minimize construction time and improve structural efficiency.

## Project Overview
Skyline Apartments is a proposed development situated in downtown London, aiming to respond to the pressing need for affordable housing. The project encompasses modern architectural solutions designed to address the challenges posed by urban density while fostering community engagement among residents. It is positioned within a framework that emphasizes the integration of residential and communal spaces, reflecting an understanding of the unique urban fabric of London.

## Urban Context and Land Use
The site is located in a vibrant area characterized by a mix of residential, commercial, and limited green spaces. Preliminary analyses indicate a significant demand for multi-family dwellings in the core of the city, where existing land scarcity necessitates innovative approaches to land use. The development is strategically planned to connect with the surrounding infrastructure, ensuring efficient land utilization while addressing the community's housing needs.

## Structural Design and Sustainability
### Innovative Material Use
The design incorporates a timber framework, which enhances structural efficiency and sustainability while maintaining a modern aesthetic. Precast concrete panels serve as the exterior materials, complemented by extensive glazing to optimize natural light and energy efficiency. This combination of materials not only contributes to the visual appeal but also supports a lightweight construction approach.

### Community-focused Amenities
The design features layered roof gardens that provide communal spaces while contributing to improved air quality and enhancing the residents' living experience. The modular unit design accommodates various living arrangements for singles, couples, and families, ensuring adaptability to diverse resident needs. Integrated communal areas and terraces promote social interactions, fostering a sense of community among the inhabitants.

### Eco-friendly Practices
Sustainability is a core element of the project, with a focus on natural ventilation and greenery within each unit to encourage urban biodiversity. The selection of materials includes glued laminated timber (glulam) for its sustainability and visual qualities, alongside high-efficiency glazing that minimizes heat transfer. This thoughtful integration of sustainable practices aims to enhance environmental well-being while meeting the housing demand in the urban setting.

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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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