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Charred Wooden Shingles and Aquaculture Integration in Sustainable Living Spaces

Author:
Yi-ting Tsai
Charred Wooden Shingles and Aquaculture Integration in Sustainable Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Blending charred wooden shingles with an integrated aquaponics system, this architectural design offers a sustainable living solution that harmonizes food production with community interaction in a water-scarce environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates an integrated aquaponics system that allows residents to cultivate both fish and plants within the structure.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used not only for aesthetics but also for their fire-resistant properties, enhancing building safety.
03
The project features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing material waste in construction.
04
Rainwater collection systems are built into the architecture to support the aquaponics, promoting efficient water management.
05
Natural ventilation strategies are employed through strategically placed windows, improving indoor air quality and reducing energy consumption.
The project, situated in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, centers around addressing the growing concerns related to water scarcity, particularly in the context of the A-Kung-Tien Reservoir. This initiative creatively harnesses the principles of aquaponics, marrying fish farming and plant cultivation in a mutually beneficial system. This architectural design aims not just to provide a functional space but also to promote sustainability and community engagement through innovative methodologies.

The essence of this project lies in its response to environmental challenges. By integrating aquaponics directly into the architecture, it transforms the building into a living entity capable of producing food while utilizing limited water resources efficiently. The design represents a shift towards more sustainable living practices, emphasizing the interconnectedness of urban life with natural ecosystems.

Functionally, the project features a thoughtfully organized arrangement across two levels. The first floor integrates essential living spaces, including a living room, kitchen, and versatile storage areas. Unique elements such as hidden staircases and multifunctional furniture enhance spatial efficiency, allowing the residents to adapt the space for various activities. The second floor provides private quarters, including a bedroom, while also incorporating recreational areas that encourage interaction with the green surroundings.

A notable aspect of this design includes its unique approach to materiality. The project utilizes sustainable materials such as wood for structural and aesthetic purposes, contributing to a warm, inviting atmosphere. Aquaponics system components, like water tanks and planting beds, are purposely designed to be a part of the architectural identity, blending function with form. Solar panels are also integrated into the design to support energy needs sustainably, reflecting a commitment to reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.

The use of a green roof serves as both an environmental strategy and a recreational space for residents, enabling rainwater harvesting and providing insulation. This design encourages a connection with nature, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the microclimate of the area. Natural ventilation strategies are also utilized, featuring operable windows that facilitate airflow, contributing to thermal comfort without relying heavily on mechanical systems.

Moreover, the project incorporates a scenic lookout, allowing residents to engage with the landscape while fostering social interaction within the community. This design element highlights the idea of architecture as a facilitator of experiences, creating spaces where people can gather and connect over shared responsibilities towards sustainability.

The modularity of the internal spaces allows for flexibility in usage, ensuring that the architecture can evolve alongside the needs of its inhabitants. This adaptability is crucial in contemporary design, where the interplay between function and form is increasingly relevant.

The project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture, where each design decision is rooted in addressing environmental concerns while promoting active community engagement. By focusing on aquaponics and sustainability, it creates a model for future architectural endeavors that might encounter similar challenges.

For those interested in exploring this project further, it is worthwhile to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas presented in the project presentation. Engaging with these elements will provide a deeper understanding of how architecture can effectively respond to both human needs and environmental imperatives.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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