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Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Facade Blend in a Community-Centric Urban Development

Author:
Jason Demon Hite
Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Facade Blend in a Community-Centric Urban Development

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and a brick facade create a dialogue between historical elements and modern design in a mixed-use development that fosters community interaction and sustainability in the heart of Los Angeles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a sustainable, fire-resistant facade.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
03
The design incorporates a unique bent A-frame structure that enhances spatial dynamics.
04
Outdoor communal gardens are integrated to promote biodiversity and community engagement.
05
Operable screens adjust for privacy and light control while enhancing design flexibility.

### Overview: The Arts District Context and Intent
Located in the Arts District of Los Angeles, the design emphasizes a respectful integration of contemporary architectural principles with the area's historical significance. The guiding philosophy posits that the interconnectedness of community, space, and history is essential for fostering engagement among artists, residents, and the locality's cultural heritage.

### Massing Strategy and Spatial Configurations
The building employs a tiered massing strategy that aligns with the urban form, enhancing connectivity within the existing street pattern. The spatial layout supports flexible use, catering to the diverse needs of artists and professionals through adaptable floor plans. Communal outdoor areas are designed as green gathering spaces to encourage interactions among residents, reinforcing a sense of community.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices
The facade incorporates a varied material palette, featuring brick that echoes the craftsmanship of existing warehouses, complemented by modern elements such as steel and glass. Wooden accents add warmth to the structure, while photovoltaic cells are integrated as both functional energy sources and visual components. Sustainability is further addressed through a green roof system, solar control devices, and high-performance glazing, collectively promoting energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Additionally, the design emphasizes adaptive reuse, honoring local heritage through the preservation of existing materials and elements.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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