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Charred Timber Screens and Communal Landscapes in Compact Urban Living

Author:
William Hickman
Charred Timber Screens and Communal Landscapes in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred timber screens and designed around a shared courtyard, the project reinterprets the traditional workers' cottage concept to foster community living in an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred timber screens for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Integrates a shared courtyard to promote community interaction among residents.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Features passive ventilation strategies tailored to the subtropical climate.
05
Adopts a modular construction approach for rapid assembly and cost-effectiveness.

## Overview
Located in the West End suburb of Brisbane, Australia, the New Workers Cottage project addresses the pressing demand for affordable housing while fostering community connections and environmental sustainability. The design is a contemporary interpretation of traditional workers' cottages, focusing on efficient use of space and materials to promote both individual well-being and social interaction among residents.

### Spatial Arrangement
An open-plan layout characterizes the design of the cottages, which comprises four interconnected units arranged around a shared courtyard. This configuration encourages communal activities and interaction among residents, enhancing neighborhood engagement. The design also optimizes natural ventilation and light, which is critical in Brisbane's subtropical climate.

### Material Selection
The material palette is carefully chosen to balance aesthetic appeal, functionality, and sustainability. Hardwood timber is utilized for structural frames and interior finishes, offering warmth and a natural feel. Colorbond steel serves as the roofing and external cladding material, chosen for its durability and low maintenance. Concrete blocks provide stability for foundational elements, while expansive glass windows and sliding doors facilitate a strong connection to the outdoor environment. Additionally, timber screens contribute to privacy and shading, enhancing the overall efficiency and visual identity of the cottages.

### Community and Sustainability
The design emphasizes a community-oriented approach, with the central courtyard serving as a focal point for shared experiences. A commitment to sustainability is evident in the incorporation of renewable materials and energy-efficient strategies, including natural ventilation and passive shading techniques. Modular construction methods are employed to ensure a cost-effective and expedited assembly process without compromising quality. Furthermore, the architecture reflects a respectful nod to the historical significance of workers' cottages, integrating heritage and modern needs in a cohesive manner.

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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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