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Charred Wood Cladding Meets Vertical Gardens in a Sustainable Urban Oasis

Authors:
George Clarke, Harry Lewis, Saskia Furman, Oliver Bennison
Charred Wood Cladding Meets Vertical Gardens in a Sustainable Urban Oasis

Project in-detail

With its charred wood cladding and integrated vertical gardens, the design creates a harmonious urban space that emphasizes sustainability while serving as a vibrant community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Vertical gardens are integrated throughout the structure, promoting biodiversity and air quality.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for rapid construction and sustainability.
04
An innovative bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and minimizes energy consumption.
05
The layout features adaptable communal spaces that encourage social interaction among residents.
This architectural project presents a thoughtful blend of residential, commercial, and communal spaces, reflecting a deep understanding of urban needs and dynamics. Positioned in a yet-to-be-defined city context, the design emphasizes a proactive approach to address issues like housing shortages and the diminishing quality of public spaces. The architecture not only responds to these pressing urban challenges but also seeks to foster a vibrant community atmosphere.

At its core, the project embodies a holistic concept that integrates diverse lifestyles through its careful spatial organization. The design features a stratified layout, distinguishing private residential units from shared public areas while promoting seamless transitions between them. This layering facilitates a more interactive urban experience, allowing residents and visitors to engage with both the internal and external environments. The project prioritizes flexibility, providing adaptable spaces that cater to various user needs—ranging from private balconies and communal terraces to dynamic work and living areas.

One of the most significant aspects of this architectural design is its materiality. The selection of concrete, glass, steel, timber, and green walls emphasizes not only durability but also the visual language of the building. The use of glass facades allows natural light to permeate interiors, creating inviting spaces that bridge the divide between indoor comfort and outdoor vitality. Concrete forms establish a robust structure while timber elements introduce warmth, resulting in a balanced aesthetic that encourages exploration and interaction.

The unique design approaches employed within the project further enhance its functionality. The architects have creatively incorporated biophilic design principles, allowing natural elements to penetrate the urban environment. Green terraces and integrated urban gardens serve dual purposes—beautifying the surroundings and contributing to sustainability efforts by improving air quality and managing stormwater. The design not only emphasizes ecological responsibility but also sets a precedent for future urban developments.

The project also places a strong emphasis on community engagement. Public spaces are thoughtfully integrated, creating hubs for social interaction and collaboration. These areas—designed for markets, cultural activities, and recreational engagement—serve to strengthen community ties and promote local economic activity. Such thoughtful inclusion of public realms into the architectural design creates a sense of belonging among residents, enhancing their living conditions.

Moreover, the innovative architectural language utilized throughout the project is characterized by its fragmented geometries, which challenge conventional forms while establishing a connection to the urban context. The interplay of solid and void spaces fosters a dynamic relationship with the environment, providing opportunities for gathering and retreat. This design strategy ensures that the building resonates with its surroundings while catering to the needs of its inhabitants.

Ultimately, the project represents a conceptual evolution in the synthesis of architecture and urban planning. The careful consideration of spatial dynamics, materiality, and community-oriented design principles demonstrates a mature approach to contemporary housing solutions. Readers interested in exploring this architectural project further are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas showcased within this significant development. The presentation offers a comprehensive look at the project, highlighting its thoughtful execution and the potential it holds for enhancing urban life.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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