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Charred Wood Shingles and Glass: Elevating Vertical Living in Urban Environments

Authors:
Yaqiao Liu, Ziyang Xu
Charred Wood Shingles and Glass: Elevating Vertical Living in Urban Environments

Project in-detail

Integrating charred wood shingles with expansive glass facades, this vertical community structure redefines urban living by fostering social interaction and sustainability through shared spaces and adaptable residential units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing an aesthetic texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength and sustainability.
03
External staircases encourage outdoor interaction and connectivity between units.
04
Solar orientation maximizes natural light within the living spaces.
05
Dedicated drone parking reflects modern urban transportation needs.

### Project Overview

The Kharkiv Vertical Community is located in Kharkiv, Ukraine, addressing the complexities of urban living amid modernization. This architectural endeavor seeks to enhance communal living through efficient spatial design while responding to the challenges of urban density. The project integrates residential, commercial, and public amenities within an organized layout that prioritizes social interaction and community cohesiveness.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement

The design employs a vertical approach in its buildings to maximize land use, thereby facilitating community-oriented living. Central green spaces are strategically integrated, offering communal hubs that promote relaxation and socialization among residents. Flexible interior layouts are crafted to accommodate diverse lifestyles, providing adaptability in a densely populated environment. Shared amenities—including cinemas, gyms, and gathering areas—are deliberately positioned to encourage interaction and foster a sense of belonging.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection is paramount in balancing aesthetics with function. The project prominently features reinforced concrete for structural integrity, complemented by extensive glazing for natural light enhancement. Metal elements contribute to the visual coherence of the design while ensuring structural strength. A notable sustainable initiative involves repurposing materials from deconstructed sites, further demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. This integration of recycled materials underlines the project's objective of creating an enduring and sustainable living environment.

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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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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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