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Charred Wood Shingles Integrate With Public Spaces to Create Intergenerational Living Environments

Author:
Katsiaryna Rusak
Charred Wood Shingles Integrate With Public Spaces to Create Intergenerational Living Environments

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles envelop a community-focused structure designed to facilitate intergenerational interactions, housing diverse residential units alongside versatile public spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes spatial efficiency and natural light.
04
Dedicated communal spaces foster interaction among residents of various ages.
05
Green roofs integrate biodiversity and improve urban air quality.

## Project Overview

Located in the urban environment of Berlin near the Spree River, WERKHOF is an architectural design focused on fostering intergenerational communication and creating inclusive living spaces. The intent is to integrate diverse age groups and meet their specific needs through functional and aesthetically engaging spaces, while also emphasizing sustainable practices throughout the design.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features designated areas for various activities, ensuring a balanced mix of residential, public, cultural, and educational spaces. Residential units are available in sizes ranging from XS to XL, catering to individuals, families, and seniors while prioritizing communal living and interactions. Public areas are strategically located to enhance accessibility and include a public market, art studios, and coworking spaces that promote social engagement. Additionally, facilities such as a cultural center, dance studio, kindergarten, and adult daycare center support lifelong learning and community connection among residents of all ages.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in establishing the project's identity and sustainability objectives. The façades prominently feature brick, which provides warmth and aligns with Berlin's architectural context. Structural elements and finishes utilize steel for durability and an industrial aesthetic, while generous glazing fosters natural light and visual transparency between indoor and outdoor spaces. Wood is incorporated into interior finishes to promote a warm atmosphere, whereas green roofs and vertical gardens enhance biodiversity and improve air quality, further emphasizing ecological integration. The surrounding landscape includes pathways and green spaces that facilitate a connection to nature, promote wellness, and enhance recreational opportunities along nearby walking paths.

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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
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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
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