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Charred Wooden Shingles and Beech Wood Create Community-Focused Urban Residences

Author:
James Bell
Charred Wooden Shingles and Beech Wood Create Community-Focused Urban Residences

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and beech wood, the design integrates individual living cells within a communal framework to enhance urban residential functionality and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainable design.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes vertical space and natural light.
04
Integrates communal spaces that foster social interaction among residents.
05
Designed to adapt to evolving urban living needs through flexible layouts.
The project at 69-71 Bondway in Vauxhall, London, exemplifies contemporary architectural design focused on urban living solutions. It integrates individual residential units, referred to as living cells, within a communal environment aimed at fostering community interaction. This structure occupies a strategic urban site, reflecting the historical context of London's architecture while addressing modern-day needs for compact living solutions.

The project consists of several essential components, including residential units varying in size and function, shared communal spaces, and essential amenities. The overall design aims to optimize space usage while providing a comfortable living experience for residents.

The architectural approach emphasizes adaptability, offering units that can be modified as needs evolve. This flexibility is a vital feature, facilitating a diverse resident demographic. Sustainability is a prominent theme, with the design utilizing eco-friendly materials and construction techniques to minimize environmental impact.

The project utilizes a variety of materials including beech wood, steel, concrete, and glass. Beech wood serves to create a warm residential atmosphere, while steel and concrete provide structural support. Glass is used extensively for windows, enhancing natural light and visual connectivity throughout the living spaces.

The layout of the building is organized around three main categories: transitional areas, preparational zones, and value spaces. Transitional areas promote circulation between units, preparational zones host fundamental living functions like kitchens and bathrooms, and value spaces are designed for communal activities, nurturing a sense of community among residents.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, notably in the integration of hybrid spaces that combine living and communal functions. This design fosters interaction and engagement among residents, breaking the traditional barriers of private and public space in urban architecture.

Another unique aspect is the project's attention to local heritage through references to traditional terraced housing, informing its architectural language while supporting modern urban living needs.

The project stands apart from typical urban housing designs by successfully balancing individual privacy with community welfare, exemplifying a thoughtful response to modern urban challenges. It showcases innovative solutions to spatial demands while addressing social connectivity.

For further insights, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs associated with this project to better understand the innovative ideas and functional principles underlying its design approach.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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