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Charred Wood Shingles and Steel Framing Create Transitional Housing Under Transit Tracks

Authors:
Haixiao Yao, Zixuan Yang, Wenpei Cui, Yinan Lin, Wen Xinyu
Charred Wood Shingles and Steel Framing Create Transitional Housing Under Transit Tracks

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and steel framing, the design transforms an underutilized urban space beneath transit tracks into a functional habitat that addresses homelessness and fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize space and structural integrity.
04
Includes integrated communal facilities to promote social interaction among residents.
05
Strategically located beneath transit tracks to address urban homelessness directly.

## Project Overview
Located beneath the Light Rail Transit (LRT) tracks near the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) station in Malaysia, the design addresses the critical issue of homelessness by converting an underutilized urban space into a functional habitat. The intent is to create a setting that promotes tranquility and social cohesion for homeless individuals, transforming a neglected area into a supportive community environment.

## Spatial Integration
The design capitalizes on the existing transportation framework, establishing a link between the dual functions of commuting and residing. It incorporates communal areas to encourage social interaction, thereby facilitating rehabilitation and fostering community ties. Careful consideration of sustainability underpins the selection of materials and construction methods, aiming to reduce the ecological footprint while enhancing user experience.

### Material Specifications
The project employs a diverse range of materials to achieve both functional and aesthetic objectives:
- **Concrete** is used for structural integrity, ensuring the buildings' durability.
- **Steel** features prominently in roofing and framing, providing robustness while conveying a contemporary aesthetic.
- **Timber** serves as a warm element in flooring and communal areas, enhancing comfort.
- **Glass** integrates as partitions to maximize natural light and promote visual transparency within shared spaces.

### Functional Layout
Designed with an emphasis on efficiency and user comfort, the project includes:
- **Compact Modular Units**: These residential spaces prioritize privacy and safety, equipped with essential amenities to foster a dignified living environment.
- **Central Community Areas**: These spaces enable social interaction, featuring seating and recreation facilities.
- **Hygiene and Nutrition Services**: Dedicated facilities support residents' basic needs, reinforcing the project's commitment to health and well-being.

Overall, the layout promotes easy access to communal facilities while delineating public and private areas, enhancing security and community integration.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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