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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.
The Kharkiv Vertical Community is an architectural project situated in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It is designed to address the needs of urban living through an integrated approach that emphasizes community engagement, sustainability, and efficient use of space. The project develops a vertical living environment that encourages social interaction while maximizing land usage in a densely populated urban context.

The design features a series of high-rise buildings that include a mix of residential units and communal spaces. It aims to create a sense of community within the urban fabric, taking advantage of the verticality to maintain green spaces and public amenities at different levels throughout the structures. This layout promotes accessibility and interaction among residents, creating a holistic living environment.

Designing for Community Engagement

A distinctive aspect of the Kharkiv Vertical Community is its focus on fostering community interaction. The project includes multiple shared amenities such as gyms, cinemas, and gathering places strategically placed within the layout. Central green spaces serve as focal points for social activities, ensuring that residents have accessible areas for relaxation and community events. The design encourages a lifestyle that prioritizes social engagement, setting it apart from conventional apartment complexes where individual units are isolated from one another.

Innovative Architectural Features

The project incorporates several unique architectural features that enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. These include external staircases and terraces that connect different living units and encourage outdoor living. The vertical design not only maximizes the use of land but also embodies principles of sustainability through materials and energy-efficient systems. The use of reinforced concrete and glass allows for durable and well-lit living spaces, while recycled materials contribute to a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, the buildings are designed to be adaptable, addressing evolving urban lifestyles and preferences.

Residents’ safety and resilience are integral to the design, with features such as bomb shelters and drone parking reflecting contemporary urban realities. This focus on practicality and safety illustrates a comprehensive consideration of the modern urban environment's challenges while promoting a unique communal living experience.

The Kharkiv Vertical Community is a thoughtful exposition of contemporary architecture that responds to the demands of urban living. For those interested in the specifics of the design, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and ideas can provide deeper insights into the innovative strategies employed in this project. Understanding these elements can further illuminate how the design fosters community while addressing urban planning challenges.
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Enter an open architecture
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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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