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Charred Wood Facades and Modular Design Enhance Urban Living Solutions

Authors:
Dmitry Burdin, Alena Markova
Charred Wood Facades and Modular Design Enhance Urban Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Charred wood facades and a modular design approach create a visually distinctive and sustainable urban residential solution that prioritizes community engagement while maximizing living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid modular construction.
03
The project incorporates extensive communal terraces for social interaction.
04
Vertical landscaping enhances biodiversity and improves air quality.
05
Units feature dual orientations for access to natural light and views.

The architectural project “Terrace: Copy-Paste” is a contemporary reinterpretation of London's traditional terrace housing. Situated in an urban district, the design reflects the historical context of Victorian architecture while accommodating modern residential needs. The project serves primarily as social housing, featuring a thoughtful arrangement of living units that emphasize community engagement and adaptability to diverse lifestyles. This initiative focuses on creating a sustainable urban living environment that aligns with current demographic demands.

Modular Housing and Adaptability
A key feature of the design is its modular approach. Each housing unit has been developed as a scalable module, allowing for variations in configuration according to the site’s specific conditions. This adaptability not only maximizes the use of space but also responds to the changing dynamics of urban life. Different unit types, ranging from studio apartments to multi-bedroom homes, cater to a range of residents. This approach ensures that the project is not only functional but also inclusive, promoting a diverse community.

Community-Centered Design
The design integrates significant communal spaces into the housing scheme. Shared terraces and gardens are strategically placed throughout the development, encouraging social interaction among residents. This design choice reflects an understanding of the importance of community in urban living, fostering connections and promoting a sense of belonging. The arrangement of the units supports effective circulation throughout the building, guiding residents to these communal areas while maintaining a sense of privacy within individual dwellings.

Sustainability and Material Choice
In addressing sustainability, the project employs a variety of materials that balance durability with environmental considerations. The external walls utilize ceramic and cement blocks, which provide structural reliability while offering a modern aesthetic. Energy-efficient mineral wool insulation contributes to reduced energy consumption, while thin brick and fiber cement panels enhance the façade’s texture. Large glass panels allow natural light into the interiors, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

The “Terrace: Copy-Paste” project exemplifies modern architectural principles by merging the historical context of London’s terrace design with innovative, sustainable practices. The unique blend of modular flexibility, community-oriented spaces, and thoughtful material selection makes this project a noteworthy contribution to contemporary urban architecture. To explore the project further, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, consider diving into the presentation of this project for a comprehensive understanding of its unique architectural ideas.

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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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