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Charred Wooden Exteriors and Brick Facades in a High-Density Community Development

Author:
Miltiadis filippos Christodoulakos
Charred Wooden Exteriors and Brick Facades in a High-Density Community Development

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden exteriors and durable brick facades, the development integrates diverse housing typologies within a high-density community to enhance urban living and foster social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Narrow house typologies designed to optimize space while promoting community interaction.
02
Integration of mixed-use retail spaces at ground level to support local commerce.
03
Sustainable materials include brick facades and charred wooden shingles for durability.
04
Pedestrian-friendly layout emphasizes walkability and access to communal gardens.
05
Varied housing options cater to diverse family structures and living arrangements.
The housing project located in Robin Head Gardens, Tower Hamlets, London, proposes a high-density, socially-rented community encompassing 124 narrow houses. The architectural design effectively addresses the challenges of urban living by integrating residential units that maximize space without compromising comfort. The layout emphasizes pedestrian access and integrates communal areas, supporting a sustainable lifestyle in a vibrant urban context.

Unique Housing Typologies and Community Spaces

Key to this project is the innovative approach to housing typologies. The design incorporates various unit types, including narrow houses, half-and-half apartments, and garage-inclusive versions. This versatility ensures that the housing meets the diverse needs of families and individuals, promoting a sense of belonging within the community. The arrangement of homes is strategically designed to orient towards central public squares and green areas, encouraging interaction among residents.

Public spaces play an essential role in this architectural endeavor, providing areas for socialization and community activities. The layout facilitates pedestrian movement, with carefully planned pathways leading to amenity areas such as playgrounds and open plazas. Such design promotes social cohesion while enhancing the overall livability of the project.

Sustainable Design and Material Choices

The architectural design pays particular attention to sustainability through the selection of durable materials and environmentally responsible building practices. Brickwork, mineral wool insulation, and flat roofing systems are employed to maximize energy efficiency. The design prioritizes thermal performance and long-term durability. These material choices not only align with contemporary sustainable architecture but also ensure the residential units remain functional over time.

Additionally, the mixed-use aspect of the development addresses local economic needs by incorporating retail spaces within the residential framework. This integration fosters a dynamic neighborhood atmosphere while providing essential services to the residents.

To gain deeper insights into this architectural undertaking, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. Review elements such as architectural plans, sections, and designs to appreciate the detailed strategies applied in creating an efficient urban housing solution.
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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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