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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Modern Interpretation of Cultural Heritage

Author:
Jason Michael Ii Henning
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Modern Interpretation of Cultural Heritage

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the development reinterprets cultural motifs into a modern urban setting, fostering community living through integrated residential and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and reduces energy use.
04
Integrates community gardens as part of the landscape to encourage biodiversity and interaction.
05
Emphasizes local craftsmanship through the use of traditional Ukrainian patterns in architectural elements.

### Overview

The Urban Vyshyvanka project is located in an urban context that seeks to reinterpret traditional Ukrainian design, particularly the Vyshyvanka blouse, known for its intricate embroidery that signifies cultural heritage. The design integrates these motifs into a modern urban environment with a focus on community resilience, functionality, and sustainable practices. This initiative aims to revitalize existing urban blocks while promoting environmental accountability and celebrating local craftsmanship.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

The design implements a community-centric architecture that intertwines private residences with shared spaces across multiple levels. This arrangement fosters social interaction through communal gardens and co-working areas, each equipped with facilities that facilitate engagement among residents. The layout emphasizes accessibility, featuring open stairwells that enhance visibility and encourage movement. Vertical geometric patterns reflect the decorative elements of Vyshyvanka, serving not only as an artistic expression but also as a guide for spatial organization.

Landscaped areas and green roofs are incorporated throughout the project, contributing to improved living conditions and biodiversity. Thoughtful consideration of traffic flow and connectivity promotes pedestrian pathways, activating the ground plane and enhancing overall urban experience. This deliberate integration ensures that historical sites are seamlessly linked with modern amenities, enriching the cultural landscape of the area.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project prioritizes sustainability through its choice of materials, emphasizing local sourcing and ecological integrity. Notable materials include Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) for its lightweight yet strong structural capabilities, and porous ceramic blocks that provide natural thermal regulation and fire resistance. The use of mortarless 'Lego' bricks facilitates rapid construction and the innovative repurposing of materials. Energy-efficient fiberglass windows and natural timber decking further enhance functionality and aesthetic harmony with the surrounding landscape.

Additionally, the selection of native plant species contributes to local biodiversity while maintaining aesthetic continuity. The materials and their applications underline a commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring that the project not only supports current needs but also respects and enriches its ecological context.

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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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