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Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facade Defining a Vertical Community Hub in Urban Living

Author:
Elizabeth Wiatrolik
Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facade Defining a Vertical Community Hub in Urban Living

Project in-detail

With a striking glass façade complemented by charred wood shingles, the design redefines urban living by creating a multifaceted vertical community hub that seamlessly integrates residential and commercial spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability while offering distinct architectural aesthetics.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for both durability and aesthetic appeal, providing a unique contrast to the expansive glass façade.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are featured prominently, promoting sustainability and reducing the building's carbon footprint.
04
Dedicated winter gardens integrated within the structure foster biodiversity and provide residents with natural spaces for relaxation.
05
Pedestrian access over existing railways showcases innovative connectivity, encouraging walkability throughout the urban environment.
The architectural project, located in London and conceptualized for the year 2050, embodies a forward-thinking approach to urban living in response to anticipated challenges such as population growth, housing shortages, and the need for enhanced infrastructure. This design represents a vertical city that effectively integrates residential, commercial, and public spaces within a single structure, reflecting a practical solution to current and future urban demands.

The main function of this architectural project is to create a self-contained environment that supports a high density of residential units while also fostering economic activity and vibrant community interaction. As the city grapples with its housing crisis, this vertical city concept allows for significant vertical space utilization, enabling a mix of living, working, and recreational areas within a condensed footprint.

As one examines the architectural design, several important components come into focus. The building is characterized by its impressive height and modern aesthetic, which includes a combination of glass, steel, and concrete. The extensive use of glass in the façade not only facilitates natural lighting but also fosters a connection between the interior spaces and the exterior urban environment. The choice of materials assures durability and functionality while contributing to the energy performance of the building. The steel framework provides stability, while concrete elements enhance structural robustness. Additionally, the incorporation of wood in various interior finishes softens the building's overall appearance and contributes to a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Connectivity plays a crucial role in this architectural design, with pedestrian pathways seamlessly integrated into the structure. These pathways traverse over existing railways, promoting accessibility and encouraging mobility throughout the urban landscape. This thoughtful approach to circulation enhances the overall user experience, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the area. The project also includes dedicated spaces for communal activities, thereby fostering social engagement within the community.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. One notable feature is the incorporation of winter gardens, which serve as multifunctional spaces for recreation and relaxation. These gardens promote biodiversity, enabling a blend of natural elements within the urban fabric. This integration of green infrastructure not only contributes to the well-being of residents but also aligns with emerging sustainability goals in architecture. The dynamic façade, which adjusts in response to sunlight, is another innovative design aspect that reduces energy consumption by maximizing daylight use while minimizing reliance on artificial lighting.

Furthermore, the architectural design addresses climate and wind patterns, ensuring that the structure remains comfortable and energy-efficient regardless of external conditions. The design process includes careful analysis to optimize the building's interaction with environmental factors while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

This architectural project redefines what urban development can look like, emphasizing the importance of connectivity, sustainability, and community in a rapidly evolving city landscape. It stands as a response to the pressing need for innovative solutions to the challenges posed by urbanization. This project serves not only as an architectural endeavor but also as a model for future developments aiming to enhance urban living in a practical yet aesthetically pleasing manner.

For a more in-depth understanding of the project's intricacies and design intent, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shed light on the innovative approaches employed throughout this ambitious endeavor. Each element contributes to a cohesive vision of what urban architecture can achieve in the coming years.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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