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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biodiverse Landscapes Enhancing Urban Green Spaces

Authors:
Xinxi Yao, Xi Chen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biodiverse Landscapes Enhancing Urban Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Integrating charred wooden shingles with biodiverse green corridors, this urban sanctuary redefines public space while addressing environmental challenges in Milan.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural support.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light within the space.
04
Creates biodiverse green corridors that support local ecosystems and wildlife.
05
Implements permeable pathways to manage stormwater runoff effectively.
The project known as Green Net represents an innovative approach to urban architecture in Milan. Focused on integrating green spaces within dense urban environments, this design offers a thoughtful response to contemporary challenges such as air pollution and the demand for communal areas. Green Net is not merely a landscape design; it embodies a vision for a sustainable urban future where nature and city coexist symbiotically.

At its core, Green Net serves several critical functions. It provides much-needed green corridors that help improve air quality while promoting biodiversity in an area often characterized by concrete and asphalt. These green spaces are essential for the well-being of residents, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The design draws inspiration from Milan's historical context, particularly the city's historical canals, which were once vital to its identity. This connection provides a narrative thread that enriches the project’s cultural significance.

The main components of the Green Net project include a combination of parks, waterways, and interactive spaces designed to facilitate social engagement and physical activity. Key elements feature meticulously planned pathways made of permeable materials, allowing water to permeate the ground and reduce urban runoff. Additionally, the presence of water features within the landscape not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to microclimate regulation, essential in mitigating the urban heat island effect.

Unique design approaches in the Green Net project stand out for their functionality and sustainability. The strategic use of biodiverse vegetation plays a crucial role in both cleansing the air and providing habitats for local wildlife. This careful selection reflects a deep understanding of ecological principles, as the landscape design aims to create a balanced ecosystem while accommodating the needs of the community. Moreover, the incorporation of technological features such as water mist trees showcases an innovative blend of nature and science, enhancing air quality through natural processes.

Throughout the project, spaces are intentionally designed to encourage social interactions among residents. The inclusion of communal areas invites people to gather, enhancing the sense of community within the urban fabric. These zones serve a dual purpose: offering places for leisure activities as well as opportunities for community events, ultimately fostering a strong neighborhood identity.

As an architectural project, Green Net exemplifies how design can directly address various urban issues while creating spaces that are functional and inviting. It calls for a reevaluation of urban landscapes, advocating for a more integrated relationship between built and natural environments. Readers interested in the architectural plans or sections of this project can delve deeper into how these elements work together to create an efficient and engaging urban oasis. By exploring the design and its various features, one can gain insight into the overarching architectural ideas which underpin this notable project.
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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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