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Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Framework in Sustainable Urban Living Solutions

Author:
Augusta Fiseryte
Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Framework in Sustainable Urban Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a durable brick framework, the design revitalizes the urban landscape by seamlessly integrating residential units with community spaces to foster social interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint.
03
Features strategically placed courtyards promoting community interaction.
04
Integrates water management systems to enhance local biodiversity.
05
Includes varied residential unit typologies to accommodate diverse lifestyles.
The Robin Hood Gardens architectural project in Poplar, London, represents a significant response to contemporary urban housing needs while acknowledging the historical implications of the site. The design aims to revitalize a former housing estate built by Alison and Peter Smithson in the 1970s, offering a blend of residential units, community spaces, and green areas. The project encompasses a systematic approach to architecture that prioritizes both physical and social connectivity among its users.

The primary function of the Robin Hood Gardens project is to create a cohesive living environment that serves a diverse community. It integrates residential spaces with amenities designed to encourage social interaction and environmental sustainability. The layout plans delineate public and private realms, ensuring that residents have access to communal areas that promote engagement while also providing personal living spaces.

The architectural design incorporates various elements that enhance usability and aesthetic appeal. By utilizing a combination of brick, concrete, glass, and wood, the project achieves a balance between durability, visual interest, and environmental harmony. The design facilitates indoor-outdoor relationships, allowing natural light to permeate living spaces while creating visual connections with the surrounding landscape.

Unique to this project is its emphasis on adaptive reuse. The team has actively sought to incorporate remnants of the site's historical significance into their design, letting the architecture tell a story that resonates with the community’s past. The integration of communal courtyards and waterways reflects a commitment to fostering a sense of place, while the fluid spatial organization addresses density concerns through thoughtful design.

Attention to circulation within the site plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility. Pedestrian pathways, thoughtfully placed entrances, and vertical circulation elements ensure that all residents can move freely, promoting a user-friendly environment.

The Robin Hood Gardens project illustrates a comprehensive examination of modern architectural needs through thoughtful design elements. The architectural ideas presented hold potential for future urban housing developments, emphasizing the blending of history with modern living.

Explore the project presentation for further details on architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that provide a deeper insight into the innovative approaches employed in this urban project.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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