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Charred Wooden Shingles and Community Bands Enabling Sustainable Living Integration

Authors:
Shobha Narendran, Guochuan Kwang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Community Bands Enabling Sustainable Living Integration

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles paired with flexible living arrangements, this design fosters community engagement and sustainable agriculture within a rapidly urbanizing landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient sustainable construction.
03
Features a flexible layout to accommodate diverse family structures and communal needs.
04
Integrates communal gardens to promote sustainable agriculture within the design.
05
Reflects traditional Lingnan architectural principles to maintain cultural continuity.
The architectural project located in Feng Ye Zhuang, a village near Knowledge City in Guangzhou, China, serves as a vital intervention in a rapidly urbanizing landscape. Focused on the integration of rural and urban living, the design prioritizes community engagement, agricultural sustainability, and cultural preservation. This project represents a thoughtful response to the challenges faced by rural communities within peri-urban contexts, where the need for modern living must harmonize with traditional values and practices.

The primary function of the project is to provide housing and communal spaces for residents, enabling a lifestyle that balances agricultural pursuits with everyday living. It features a configuration of band-like arrangements that facilitate social interactions while maintaining individual privacy within residential units. Each unit is designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating various family sizes and arrangements to reflect the social dynamics of the village.

Spatial Configuration and Community Focus

The design emphasizes an integrated approach to spatial planning, with communal bands connecting individual living units. This layout encourages interaction while providing access to shared amenities, such as gardens and meeting spaces. The communal areas serve as focal points for social gatherings, markets, and cooperative farming activities. The overarching design fosters a sense of belonging and community, central to the project's objectives.

A notable aspect of the project is its sustainable ethos, which promotes environmental responsibility through the use of locally sourced materials and resources. By incorporating features such as communal gardens adjacent to housing, the design supports agricultural practices and cultivates a relationship between the inhabitants and their environment. This method reinforces local identity while adapting to the demands of contemporary life.

Cultural Resonance and Traditional Influences

The architectural language of the project draws heavily from Lingnan traditions, which inform both the aesthetic and functional components of the design. Elements such as open spaces, adaptable floor plans, and natural materials reflect regional building practices, maintaining cultural continuity in the face of modernization. The integration of traditional features ensures that the project resonates with local inhabitants, fostering pride in their heritage.

Moreover, the design's unique positioning within the evolving urban fabric allows for future scalability, catering to growth while maintaining the community’s rural character. The architecture not only addresses immediate needs but also anticipates future developments by providing a framework that can adapt as the village evolves.

To gain deeper insights into the project’s nuances, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and overall design elements presented. This exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the project integrates architectural ideas with social and environmental considerations to create a cohesive living environment.
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MICROHOME
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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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