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Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Community-Centric Housing Solution

Author:
Gyubin Lee
Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facades in a Community-Centric Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a harmonious blend of charred wood shingles and expansive glass, the design creates vibrant communal spaces that foster connection while providing affordable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability while creating a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Modular housing units allow for flexible layouts tailored to individual resident needs.
03
Expansive glass facades maximize natural light and integrate indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
A community-centered layout fosters social interaction with thoughtfully designed shared areas.
05
The use of cross-laminated timber panels ensures sustainability and rapid construction.
The WYW House is a thoughtfully designed architectural project situated in Vancouver, reflecting a contemporary approach to affordable housing. This initiative serves as a response to the growing demand for cost-effective yet comfortable living spaces in urban settings. The primary objective of the WYW House is to redefine how residents interact with their environment and each other, emphasizing community and sustainability.

This project presents a combination of modular housing units that can be adapted to suit various living needs, making it accessible to a diverse demographic. Each unit is structured to optimize space efficiency while maintaining a sense of openness and light. The architectural design promotes not only individual comfort but also encourages social interaction among residents through the inclusion of common areas. This focus on communal spaces is vital, as it highlights the importance of community engagement in modern urban living.

The unique design approaches utilized in the WYW House are notable, integrating flexibility as a core concept. The modular units are designed in a way that allows residents the freedom to personalize their living spaces without compromising the overall structural integrity. This adaptability is enhanced by innovative joinery and assembly techniques, which facilitate easy reconfiguration over time. Steel is utilized for the framework, providing the necessary support and stability while allowing for an open-plan layout that maximizes natural light and ventilation.

Concrete forms the foundation of the structure, lending durability and thermal mass that contribute to energy efficiency within the units. The project also incorporates high-tensile fabric in its modular designs, which adds an element of lightweight flexibility, enabling various configurations. Large glass elements are prevalent throughout the design, creating visual connections to the exterior and ensuring that residents feel connected to their surroundings.

The architectural plans pay careful attention to aesthetics without overshadowing functionality. A vibrant color palette is employed throughout the project, introducing brightness and life to the living environment. The use of colors such as yellow, red, blue, and green adds to the cultural identity of the neighborhood, positioning the WYW House as a visual focal point within its urban context. This aesthetic consideration aligns with the project's goal of creating an inviting atmosphere, making it not just a series of housing units but a community landmark.

The layout includes two main housing types: the Infinite Type and the Pinwheel Type. The Infinite Type’s multi-layer design invites creative spatial organization, encouraging residents to think outside the box regarding how they utilize their homes. The Pinwheel Type, designed for single-story living, ensures accessibility for all residents, providing a user-friendly experience. These configurations are a testament to the project’s emphasis on versatility and resident input.

In summary, the WYW House stands out as an architectural project that embodies the principles of affordable housing while promoting a strong sense of community. Its design reflects a delicate balance of functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal, demonstrating how architecture can effectively respond to the needs of modern urban living. To explore this project further, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and innovative design ideas, readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation of the WYW House. This exploration offers valuable insights into how contemporary architecture can create enriching living experiences within urban landscapes.
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The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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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