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Charred Wood Facade Integrates Urban Gardens In Community Housing Development

Author:
Juan carlos Prazmowski
Charred Wood Facade Integrates Urban Gardens In Community Housing Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood and recycled shingles, this community housing development utilizes urban gardens and advanced water management systems to create affordable living spaces that enhance local sustainability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Urban gardens integrated throughout the community enhance biodiversity and resident interaction.
02
Rainwater collection and treatment systems support sustainable water management.
03
Charred wood exterior panels provide durability and a distinct aesthetic.
04
Recycled rubber shingles contribute to energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
05
Flexible interior layouts allow for adaptable living and working spaces.

Top Top House is located in Los Angeles, California, and it addresses the rising living costs that have pushed many artists and residents away. The focus is on providing affordable housing by utilizing previously underused urban spaces. The design promotes a vibrant community culture while incorporating elements that encourage sustainable living.

Sustainable Design Principles

The design emphasizes sustainable practices throughout the building. Urban gardens are a key feature, contributing to local biodiversity and offering green spaces for residents to relax and engage with nature. Solar panels placed on the roof harness energy, reducing the reliance on traditional power sources and supporting environmental goals.

Material Selection

Material choices are made with careful consideration to function and aesthetics. The roofing features recycled rubber shingles, which provide strength and durability. The exterior showcases charred wood, lending a modern and robust look. Inside, plywood sheathing supports the structure and allows for flexibility in interior layouts.

Resource Management Systems

Effective resource management is fundamental to the project. A water filtration system is integrated to collect and treat rainwater, enabling its use for various building needs. Ecological toilets and rainwater treatment solutions further enhance water conservation, reflecting a commitment to responsible resource usage.

Community Integration

The layout is designed to encourage community interaction. It combines living spaces with public areas, allowing residents to engage with each other and fostering a sense of belonging. This approach creates an environment that values collaboration, creativity, and shared experiences.

Large windows allow natural light to fill the interior, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that links indoor and outdoor spaces effectively. This connection adds to the livability and appeal of the building for its future residents.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
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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