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Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Facade Define Sustainable Urban Housing Solution

Authors:
Dilara Murzagaliyeva, Kristina Goncharov
Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Facade Define Sustainable Urban Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a terraced design adorned with charred wooden shingles and a thoughtfully selected palette of natural materials, this sustainable housing solution fosters community living while providing affordable residences in the heart of London’s E14 area.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design features a modular assembly approach that allows for flexible unit configurations to meet diverse housing needs.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized on the facade, enhancing durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
03
Generous landscaping integrates green roofs, promoting biodiversity and improving energy efficiency.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for structural elements, reducing the building's carbon footprint.
05
The project includes shared community spaces that foster interaction among residents, enhancing the sense of neighborhood.
The Tekton House project represents a contemporary approach to addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in London’s evolving urban landscape, particularly within the E14 area. This innovative architectural design aims to combine functionality with a strong sense of community, providing a range of housing types that cater to diverse resident needs. The project encapsulates a modular and flexible housing solution that not only enhances the living experience but also fosters greater social interaction among residents.

Central to the design is the emphasis on modularity, which allows for a variety of unit configurations that accommodate individuals, families, and couples. The architectural plans illustrate a total of 56 residential units, thoughtfully designed to include 24 studio units, 16 double units, and 16 family units. This range ensures that the project effectively addresses the demographic diversity present in the area, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in urban living.

Tekton House adopts an architectural form that is characterized by its staggered and terraced arrangement, creating a dynamic visual landscape that resonates with the surrounding environment. This design also facilitates maximum natural light penetration and cross-ventilation, essential for enhancing the comfort of living spaces. Large windows and the thoughtful placement of balconies provide opportunities for outdoor connection, while the varied heights contribute to the aesthetic richness of the building, balancing both human scale and visual interest.

The selection of materials is a significant aspect of the project, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and local context. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability and resilience. A warm brick facade adds texture and character, creating a harmonious relationship with the surrounding urban fabric. Glass elements are strategically incorporated to enhance the connection between interior spaces and the outdoors, allowing for ample natural light while maintaining energy efficiency. The inclusion of green roof systems not only contributes to the project's sustainability goals but also offers residents communal green spaces, promoting well-being amidst urban density.

Beyond the residential spaces, Tekton House is designed with community interaction in mind. The ground-level retail areas are geared towards fostering local commerce, making it easy for residents to engage with their neighborhood and access daily necessities. This integration of public and private spaces reflects a broader architectural idea of creating environments that nurture community ties, offering various shared amenities and landscaped areas for relaxation and social gatherings.

The architectural design also responds thoughtfully to its site, located near Millwall Park and the historic Millwall Viaduct. This placement enhances connectivity and provides residents with access to green open spaces, vital for promoting a healthy lifestyle in an urban setting. Furthermore, the proximity to public transport ensures easy connectivity to other parts of London, encouraging a sustainable lifestyle that minimizes reliance on cars.

Unique design approaches in Tekton House underscore the architects' commitment to crafting flexible living environments. Modular construction techniques allow for adaptability as housing demands evolve, showcasing an innovative method of addressing contemporary urban challenges. The careful orchestration of unit layouts, which facilitate both private and communal experiences, exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban architecture. Natural materials and built forms interact with the surrounding context, further enhancing residents' connection to their environment.

For those interested in exploring the intricate details of Tekton House, including architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, further investigation into the project presentation is encouraged. This offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the architectural ideas that underpin this meaningful contribution to London’s housing landscape.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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