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Charred Wooden Shingles and Adaptive Reuse Enhance Urban Living in Intergenerational Housing

Author:
Qiri Cao
Charred Wooden Shingles and Adaptive Reuse Enhance Urban Living in Intergenerational Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and engineered wood, the design creates a sustainable urban habitat that fosters intergenerational interaction through shared communal spaces and diverse living options.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light penetration and views.
04
Integrates indoor gardens to promote well-being and improve air quality.
05
Includes adaptable living units tailored for diverse age groups to foster intergenerational connections.

### Project Overview
The Mixed-age Community (MAC) is designed to create an urban living environment that promotes interaction and support among diverse age groups, particularly between the elderly and younger individuals. The project focuses on spatial configurations that facilitate social exchange while addressing contemporary needs for sustainable, integrated living solutions in urban contexts.

### Spatial Configuration
The architectural layout incorporates communal spaces, including social plazas, gardens, and shared facilities, balanced with individual living units that cater to the different demographic groups. Living unit categories include designated spaces for elderly residents, intergenerational units accommodating both youth and seniors, and units for young families, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community. The design emphasizes permeability with pathways and outdoor areas that allow for natural ventilation and light, enhancing overall livability and establishing zones for relaxation and recreation.

### Material and Structural Strategy
A careful selection of materials enhances both sustainability and aesthetics. The project utilizes engineered wood, concrete, and glass to create a welcoming and durable environment that maximizes natural light and blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas. Integrated vegetation supports biodiversity and improves air quality, contributing to a healthier living environment. The structure employs lightweight materials that facilitate efficient assembly, reduce waste, and allow for flexibility in design, promoting a cohesive communal atmosphere supported by functional amenities such as communal kitchens and educational facilities.

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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

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