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Charred Wooden Shingles and Community-Centric Design in Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Jeffrey Silberstein
Charred Wooden Shingles and Community-Centric Design in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this innovative community development promotes sustainability and social interaction while providing affordable urban housing in Melbourne.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances fire resistance while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels were chosen for their sustainability and strength, reducing overall carbon footprint.
03
The innovative bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light penetration and ventilation.
04
Shared communal gardens are integrated into the layout, fostering community interaction among residents.
05
The project offers customizable interior spaces, empowering residents to personalize their living environments.
The architectural project, known as Melbourne Corners, addresses a critical issue facing urban environments: the challenge of housing affordability in Melbourne, Australia. Positioned within a city where the cost of living continues to rise, this project is designed to transform underutilized spaces into a vibrant residential community that promotes accessibility, sustainability, and social interaction.

Melbourne Corners serves not only as a housing solution but also as a catalyst for community engagement. At its core, the project represents an effort to provide affordable homes for the middle class while fostering a sense of belonging among residents. The thoughtful layout emphasizes both individuality and community, encouraging a lifestyle that values shared experiences and connections with neighbors.

The design of Melbourne Corners is characterized by a grid layout, optimizing land usage while creating clusters of residential units. Each dwelling is thoughtfully positioned to encourage interaction among residents, with communal spaces strategically integrated throughout the development. This approach fosters social cohesion, making it easier for neighbors to engage with one another in a natural and inviting environment. The project features a variety of housing types that accommodate different family sizes and lifestyles, ensuring that a broad spectrum of the population can find a suitable home within the community.

The architectural design of Melbourne Corners prominently features timber, steel, concrete, and glass. Timber is extensively used for its sustainability as a renewable resource, providing warmth and texture to the residential units. Steel is incorporated for structural integrity, offering durability while contributing to the contemporary aesthetic of the design. Concrete plays a crucial role in forming robust foundations and is utilized in landscaping to create functional outdoor spaces that harmonize with the residential structures. Large glass windows and facades enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor environments, allowing natural light to permeate living spaces and reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. One key aspect is the encouragement of customization, allowing residents the opportunity to personalize their homes according to their preferences. This flexibility not only increases user satisfaction but also fosters a sense of ownership and individuality within the community. Additionally, the integration of fire-resistant features demonstrates a commitment to safety, addressing concerns about living in urban settings.

Sustainability is another fundamental element embedded in the project's design. Melbourne Corners includes landscaped areas, shared gardens, and green spaces that not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the environment but also promote biodiversity. These outdoor areas serve as social hubs, inviting residents to gather, relax, and participate in communal activities.

As a response to the growing demand for affordable housing, Melbourne Corners stands out in its thoughtful integration of multiple design principles that cater to the needs of its residents while promoting a sense of community. The project exemplifies a balanced approach to urban living that values both individual expression and collective well-being. For a more in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that underpin Melbourne Corners, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for further insights.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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