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Charred Wooden Shingles and Community Studio Enhance Residential Design in Natural Surroundings

Author:
Rodion Kosmin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Community Studio Enhance Residential Design in Natural Surroundings

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, this residential development enhances communal living through a shared studio and thoughtfully designed private spaces within a natural 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 structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a shared studio space designed to foster community creativity.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
05
Connects indoor and outdoor spaces through expansive glass facades.
The Twin Houses project is an innovative residential development designed to create two interrelated living spaces while maintaining distinct identities. This project leverages contemporary architectural techniques to address the complexities of modern living, offering a cohesive blend of communal and private areas. Each house is designed to occupy a harmonious relationship with its surroundings, utilizing both structural ingenuity and strategic site planning.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The Twin Houses feature a unique spatial organization that prioritizes both community interaction and individual privacy. Each house is arranged around a central outdoor courtyard, functioning as a shared social space. This layout encourages family engagement while keeping primary living spaces—such as kitchens and lounges—accessible yet private.

Distinct characteristics of each house include:

- Ground-Level Living Areas: The design incorporates expansive living areas on the ground floor, facilitating interaction among occupants.
- Private Bedrooms: The upper levels consist of private bedrooms oriented to maximize views and natural light while ensuring privacy.
- Shared Studio Space: An integrated studio serves as a creative hub, fostering community engagement and artistic expression, which sets this project apart from conventional residential designs.

Innovative Approach to Materials

The choice of materials in the Twin Houses reflects a conscious effort to integrate the structures with their natural context. Predominantly featuring timber cladding, the project not only ensures thermal efficiency but also reinforces a sense of warmth and connection to the surrounding environment. The use of large glass panels enhances the indoor-outdoor relationship, allowing for substantial daylighting and connection to the landscape.

Other critical materials include:

- Concrete: Utilized in foundations to provide stability, especially where existing structures were repurposed.
- Hybrid Beams: Employed for structural support, indicating advanced engineering solutions.
- Galvanized Steel: Incorporated in specific structural elements to ensure durability and low maintenance.

Sustainable Design Features

The Twin Houses also emphasize sustainability, showcasing various features intended to minimize environmental impact. A green roof design supports local biodiversity, specifically aiding in the creation of wildlife habitats. The possibility of integrating solar energy systems further aligns the project with modern sustainability practices, emphasizing efficiency in energy consumption.

The architectural design of Twin Houses encourages occupants to embrace a lifestyle intertwined with nature, fostering community and creativity while maintaining a profound respect for both the architectural integrity and the environmental context.

Explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into architectural plans, sections, and designs that highlight the innovative ideas brought forth in this residential development.
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Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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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