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Charred Wood Facades and Modular Adaptability in a Transitional Urban Housing Solution

Authors:
Yaju Lee, Ching-chen Liu
Charred Wood Facades and Modular Adaptability in a Transitional Urban Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood facades and modular construction, the design offers a flexible living solution that addresses urban housing demands while promoting community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for superior structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features a modular design that allows for adaptable living configurations.
04
Integrates communal spaces to encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Located strategically beneath an expressway to repurpose underutilized urban space.

### Project Overview
Located in Taichung City, Taiwan, the Transient Metropolitan Residence addresses the challenges posed by increasing urban density near the Civic Boulevard Expressway. This initiative introduces transitional housing aimed at revitalizing the local community by providing flexible living solutions that enhance the residential experience and integrate with the urban context. The project facilitates urban renewal by modernizing outdated structures while supporting existing residents during the transition.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interaction
The design prioritizes adaptable spaces that respond to the varying needs of residents. Multi-functional units are configured to allow for temporary or semi-permanent living arrangements, fostering social interaction through a well-thought-out spatial layout. The integration of communal and private areas enhances connectivity among residents, making it a conducive environment for community engagement. Furthermore, the design includes flexible bathroom and staircase configurations, allowing residents to tailor their living spaces according to family size and preferences.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A commitment to sustainability is evident in the choice of materials and construction techniques employed in the project. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, a steel frame for lightweight support, and extensive glazing to maximize natural light and visual connections to the outdoor environment. Wood finishes contribute warmth to interior spaces, while eco-friendly insulation enhances energy efficiency. The use of modular, prefabricated components not only streamlines the construction process but also supports the overall aim of enabling flexible living arrangements, aligning with contemporary practices in sustainable architecture.

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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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