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Charred Wood Shingles and Flexible Spaces Enhance Community Living in a Triangular Structure

Authors:
Xueer Ma, Yanyan Zhang, Yifan Li
Charred Wood Shingles and Flexible Spaces Enhance Community Living in a Triangular Structure

Project in-detail

Integrating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design promotes an interconnected living environment that fosters community interactions while maintaining individual privacy through its triangular layout.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that reduce carbon footprint while providing structural strength.
03
Designed with a triangular layout to optimize natural light and minimize energy consumption.
04
Includes flexible spaces that encourage both private retreats and communal gatherings.
05
Incorporates accessibility-focused planning to ensure ease of movement for all residents.
The architectural project "House in a House in a House" presents an innovative residential design that emphasizes community interaction and individual privacy. Situated within a harmonious landscape, the project adapts to its environment while fostering connectivity among residents. This architecture caters to both communal living and private retreat, significantly enhancing the overall living experience for its inhabitants.

The essence of this project lies in its functionality and design intent. The arrangement of multiple smaller units facilitates social engagement while addressing the need for personal space. By creating a network of interrelated structures, the design promotes a balanced coexistence of communal areas and private residences. Each unit serves distinct purposes, enhancing both individual and collective living experiences.

Design and Layout Considerations

The architectural layout features several key components, each contributing to the project's objectives.

First, the library serves as a hub for individual activities. This space encourages residents to engage with knowledge while maintaining visual links to others. The architecture incorporates an atrium that acts as a communal gathering point, enhancing the overall sense of community.

The kitchen and dining areas are designed as flexible spaces that accommodate both large gatherings and intimate meals. This shared aspect promotes culinary interactions among residents, encouraging cultural and social exchanges. Comfortable seating arrangements facilitate a welcoming environment for residents and guests alike.

A dedicated chapel emphasizes mental well-being and solitude. Designed as a quiet retreat, this space fosters contemplation and personal reflection, reinforcing the project's commitment to mental health. The architectural elements here utilize calming materials and strategic layouts to create a serene atmosphere.

Additionally, a nursing facility is integrated into the project layout, enhancing physical health services accessibility. Positioned near the street, this space ensures easy access for residents seeking medical assistance. Its proximity to other communal areas supports the project's holistic approach to health and community living.

Unique Architectural Approaches

This project stands out due to its unique design strategies aimed at enhancing both community interaction and individual privacy. The distinct triangular layout of the buildings allows for fluid movement between shared and private spaces. Natural light, achieved through extensive use of glass, infuses the interior with warmth while connecting the occupants to their surroundings.

The material palette includes concrete for structural strength, wood for warmth and texture, and glass for transparency, demonstrating a balanced approach between durability and aesthetic appeal. The choice of materials promotes sustainability while providing a comfortable living environment.

The seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces exemplifies a thoughtful design response to the natural landscape. This connection not only enriches the living experience but also contributes to the psychological well-being of the residents by allowing for interaction with nature.

The overall design of "House in a House in a House" reflects a focused commitment to addressing modern residential challenges. The combination of communal and private elements, alongside the careful selection of materials and architectural relationships, exemplifies a contemporary approach to community-oriented living.

For a comprehensive understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and further design details, interested readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation. The intricate architectural ideas and innovative solutions within this project offer valuable insights for future residential design endeavors.
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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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