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Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Facades Define Community-Centric Residential Spaces

Authors:
Katie Kasabalis, Darius Woo, Kao Onishi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Facades Define Community-Centric Residential Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a dynamic perimeter layout, the design enhances community interaction while providing diverse residential options in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a double perimeter block to enhance community engagement and connectivity.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic distinctiveness.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Includes integrated green corridors to promote biodiversity and outdoor community activities.
05
Design allows for flexible living spaces to adapt to varying family needs and uses.

The Liminal Habitats project is an architectural undertaking located in London, specifically at the junction of Somers Town and King’s Cross. This project aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing while fostering a sense of community and belonging among residents. The design is characterized by its integration of public and private spaces, facilitating interaction while maintaining necessary privacy for individuals and families.

The architectural concept centers around creating a double perimeter block that organizes the site into distinct public and private areas. This configuration allows for a variety of housing types and community-oriented spaces, promoting social engagement and accessibility. The project includes multifunctional ground-level areas that incorporate local businesses and communal facilities, thus enhancing the user experience and community interaction.

One distinguishing aspect of the Liminal Habitats project is its emphasis on community-centric spaces. The design integrates shared gardens and green corridors that not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment but also serve functional purposes. These elements encourage outdoor activities and social gatherings, thereby strengthening community ties. Additionally, the housing units are meticulously designed for flexibility, allowing residents to adapt living spaces according to their personal needs and family dynamics, promoting a responsive living environment.

The material palette plays a crucial role in the architectural expression of this project. It features a mix of brick, glass, and wood. Brick is used to connect the project to local building traditions, while glass elements ensure transparency and a visual connection to outdoor spaces. Wood introduces warmth to the interiors, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The thoughtful selection of materials contributes to the overall sustainability and longevity of the design.

The Liminal Habitats project represents a significant shift in how urban residential designs can incorporate community and environmental considerations. Its innovative approach to spatial organization, mixed-use functionality, and thoughtful integration of nature not only meets the contemporary needs of urban living but also sets a precedent for future housing projects.

To explore this project further, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas, please visit the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of the design and its unique attributes.

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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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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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