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Charred Wood Facade and Concrete Volume in a Vertical Mixed-Use Housing Development

Author:
James Apple
Charred Wood Facade and Concrete Volume in a Vertical Mixed-Use Housing Development

Project in-detail

With a charred wood facade layered over a robust concrete structure, this vertical mixed-use development integrates diverse housing typologies with essential public amenities, creating an accessible urban community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance the aesthetic while providing fire resistance and durability.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels streamline construction and improve thermal insulation.
03
A communal library at ground level fosters community interaction and accessibility.
04
Vertical integration of living and working spaces maximizes urban land use efficiently.
05
Strategic placement of communal gardens encourages outdoor recreation and social ties among residents.
The project is an architectural design focused on affordable housing in Melbourne, addressing the significant demand for diverse living options in urban environments. It features a mixed-use approach, integrating residential units with communal spaces, particularly a public library, to enhance community engagement and accessibility. The design offers three distinct residential typologies: a high-rise tower, a mid-rise structure, and a low-rise component, contributing to an efficient use of space while catering to different demographics, including young professionals and families.

This project represents a response to the growing challenges of affordable housing and community-oriented living. By stacking residential units above essential public amenities, it maximizes land use while promoting a vibrant urban lifestyle. The architectural design emphasizes both functionality and sustainability, employing a thoughtful material palette to ensure cost-effectiveness and durability.

Innovative Integration of Public and Private Spaces

A notable feature of this project is the integration of public and private spaces, which fosters social interaction among residents. The ground level serves as a communal hub, housing the library and retail options, thereby promoting connectivity and accessibility. This focus on mixed-use development not only provides essential services to the residents but also encourages a sense of community, crucial for urban living.

The architectural layout emphasizes vertical living, reducing the footprint while amplifying the potential for community interaction. This unique approach demonstrates a commitment to facilitating modern living arrangements suitable for various family structures while maintaining affordability.

Sustainable Materiality and Design Outcomes

The architectural designs prioritize sustainability through the careful selection of materials. The use of concrete ensures structural integrity, while glass facades contribute to natural light transmission and aesthetic appeal. Steel elements provide essential support, and timber adds a warm touch to the interiors. Prefabricated panels are employed to streamline the construction process and reduce costs, exemplifying an efficient approach to building design.

This project’s architectural sections highlight the layered living spaces and the strategic placement of communal gardens, which promote outdoor activities and community engagement. Each residential typology is designed to offer flexibility and adaptation for different living scenarios, ensuring a responsive design that meets the diverse needs of its inhabitants.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, exploring the full project presentation is highly encouraged. This analysis effectively outlines the project's innovative approaches to affordable housing and community integration, showcasing how responsive architectural design can create meaningful urban environments.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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