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Charred Wooden Cladding Enhances Community Living in Desert Environment

Author:
Yunjeong Lee
Charred Wooden Cladding Enhances Community Living in Desert Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden cladding and extensive glass elements, this residential community seamlessly blends sustainable design with practical living solutions, fostering connections among residents in the vibrant desert landscape of Las Vegas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce environmental impact and construction time.
03
Features expansive glass facades to maximize natural light and desert views.
04
Includes flexible multi-purpose communal spaces designed for diverse resident activities.
05
Integrates native desert landscaping to promote sustainability and local biodiversity.
The project under review is an architectural design initiative located in Las Vegas, Nevada, that focuses on the creation of semi-public open spaces within a primarily residential community. It serves as a thoughtful response to the challenges posed by urban living in a traditionally suburban context, where single-family homes often dominate and community interaction is limited. The design represents a shift toward more integrated living environments that enhance social connections among residents while providing necessary amenities.

At its core, this architectural project emphasizes the importance of balancing private and communal spaces to foster a sense of belonging and engagement within the neighborhood. By incorporating semi-public areas on the ground floor of the residential complex, the design encourages daily interactions among residents and visitors alike. This element of the project is particularly relevant in a setting often characterized by isolation; it aims to break down barriers and create a vibrant community atmosphere.

The functionality of the space is evident in the diverse types of residential units included in the design. Ranging from single occupancy to family-sized apartments, the project accommodates a broad demographic, promoting a mixed-income community. Each unit is meticulously designed to optimize space without sacrificing comfort or livability. The careful arrangement of these units ensures that residents benefit from both privacy and access to communal environments.

A noteworthy aspect of the architectural design is its focus on flexible space utilization. The semi-public areas serve multiple purposes, which could include spaces for relaxation, social gatherings, or even small commercial activities. Such versatility adds significant value to the project, allowing residents to adapt their surroundings to suit their needs and enhance their living experience. The thoughtful circulation paths further promote smooth movement throughout the site, ensuring effortless access to residential units and shared spaces.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the identity of the project. The materials employed, such as concrete, glass, metal panels, and wood, have all been selected for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and compatibility with the desert environment. Concrete forms the structural backbone and flooring, offering strength and thermal mass to counteract the region's heat. Generous glass elements integrate natural light, creating a sense of openness and connection with the exterior landscape. Metal panels add a sleek, modern finish while boasting weather-resistant qualities, and the use of wood accents introduces warmth into the design language.

The environmental context remains central to the project’s architectural intentions. It integrates landscaping that features native desert plants, contributing to both aesthetic beauty and ecological sustainability. This choice of vegetation enhances air quality and reduces heat, aligning with the project’s overall commitment to sustainable design practices.

Unique design approaches manifest throughout various phases of the project. The strategic positioning of open spaces allows for a visible connection to the outside, encouraging pedestrians to flow seamlessly between private and public realms. The architectural layouts facilitate informal gatherings, promoting interactions that are often absent in conventional suburban designs.

By focusing on communal engagement and sustainable practices, this architectural project stands as a significant contribution to modern residential design within urban settings. The emphasis on creating spaces that facilitate social interaction reflects a broader understanding of how architecture can enhance community living in a meaningful way.

Readers interested in exploring the intricate details of this project may want to review architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of these architectural ideas. The comprehensive presentation offers valuable insights that go beyond the surface, illustrating how thoughtful planning and design can shape community dynamics in a contemporary urban landscape.
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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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