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Charred Wood and Corten Steel Create Adaptive Living Spaces in Urban Environment

Authors:
Michael Carrizosa, Rachel Crowe
Charred Wood and Corten Steel Create Adaptive Living Spaces in Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood and weathering steel, the design introduces a flexible living environment that combines residential and commercial spaces to foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wood for enhanced durability and low maintenance.
02
Incorporates mixed-use design to support residential and commercial functions.
03
Features a flexible layout that accommodates changing family needs.
04
Integrates a Training Core for community education and engagement.
05
Employs corten steel for aesthetic appeal and weather resistance.

### Overview

The Catalyst for Affordability project, developed for the Sydney Affordable Housing Challenge, aims to address the urgent need for affordable housing in Sydney, Australia. The initiative seeks to create living spaces that not only meet financial accessibility standards but also encourage community engagement and economic viability. The design responds to the challenges of urban density, focusing on inclusivity and support for lower-income populations while providing opportunities for economic growth and educational advancement.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs a modular approach, featuring flexible unit layouts that can adapt to changing family sizes and needs, ranging from small studios to larger two-bedroom apartments. This adaptability facilitates a sustainable urban living environment, promoting a sense of communal responsibility among residents. Ground-level spaces are designated for commercial use, enhancing community interaction and providing additional revenue streams for building maintenance. Central to the project is the "Training Core," which serves as a collaborative space for residents and local businesses, fostering learning and community connections.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project emphasizes sustainability through its thoughtful material selection. Shou Sugi Ban boards, known for their longevity and low maintenance requirements, are used in the facade, providing a striking aesthetic while reinforcing eco-friendliness. Corten steel contributes durability and further enhances the architectural appeal, while large glazed windows maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption. Thermal trim features integrated throughout the building improve energy efficiency, supporting the overall sustainability goals of the design.

Incorporating innovative housing finance strategies, the project facilitates partnerships with local businesses to sponsor housing for their workforce, creating a symbiotic relationship between residents and the local economy. This multi-functional design integrates residential, commercial, and training areas, addressing diverse community needs and exemplifying a holistic urban planning approach.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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