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Charred Wood Accents Complementing Weathering Steel in a Community-Centric Pedestrian Link

Author:
Chae Yeon Woo
Charred Wood Accents Complementing Weathering Steel in a Community-Centric Pedestrian Link

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainability, charred wood panels and weathering steel create a visually appealing structure that enhances pedestrian connectivity along Toronto’s waterfront.
5 key facts about this project
01
Employs charred wood panels for enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with the environment.
02
Incorporates weathering steel to create a natural patina that blends with the waterfront.
03
Features a cantilevered design that provides lookout points over the Keating Channel.
04
Integrates native plantings into the landscape for biodiversity and ecological balance.
05
Reflects Indigenous cultural narratives in its name and overall design concept.

### Project Overview
The Keating Channel Pedestrian Bridge, located in Toronto, Canada, enhances connectivity within the city’s waterfront, particularly benefitting the Quayside neighborhood and surrounding areas. This structure is designed to serve as both an infrastructural link and a gathering space, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and community engagement while integrating seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

### Design Concept
The bridge operates under the concept of a “living bridge,” informed by Indigenous perspectives that emphasize gathering and communal space. Named Nda-Nwendaagan, which translates to “the place where we gather,” the design speaks to the cultural significance of communal interactions. The approach incorporates Indigenous methodologies throughout the development process, ensuring that the bridge resonates with local narratives and traditions.

### Materials and Structural Layout
The material choices concentrate on durability and ecological performance. Key components include reinforced concrete for stability, weathering steel for aesthetic integration with the environment, and wooden decking to enhance user experience. Glass elements ensure safety while maximizing views.

The structural layout features a series of curves that mirror the natural flow of the Keating Channel. A gently sloping pathway accommodates multiple modes of movement, including pedestrians and cyclists. Cantilevered walkways provide vantage points over the water, while integrated seating areas promote social interaction. The design incorporates green infrastructure to address stormwater management and restore local biodiversity through native plantings.

Overall, the bridge stands as a functional element within Toronto's urban landscape while also promoting ecological stewardship and community vitality.

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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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