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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Flexible Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Marcin Piątek, Michał Sakowski, Łukasz Pawłuś
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Flexible Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this urban housing solution offers flexibility and sustainability in a harmonious community setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural ventilation and light distribution throughout the units.
04
Modular configurations allow for easy adaptation to changing family needs and lifestyles.
05
The project includes integrated solar panels on sloped roofs to support renewable energy goals.
The MACROPRISM architectural project represents a thoughtful exploration of sustainable living within an urban context, specifically designed for the city of Poznań, Poland. This project engages with contemporary architectural challenges while prioritizing ecological responsibility and community well-being. The overall design reflects a commitment to enhancing quality of life through innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of modern inhabitants.

Functionally, the MACROPRISM project offers modular housing units that can adapt to the varying requirements of families, professionals, and individuals. This adaptability is one of the core tenets of the design, allowing residents to reconfigure their living spaces as needed, promoting a sense of flexibility in how people live and work. Each unit is carefully oriented to maximize natural light, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that reduces reliance on artificial lighting and energy consumption.

The design incorporates notable architectural features that enhance both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. The sloped roofs play a significant role, facilitating rainwater collection while providing opportunities for solar panel integration. This design choice not only contributes to the project’s sustainability goals but also enhances its visual character. In addition to the roofs, the extensive use of large glass windows creates ample openings that blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor environments, enriching the spatial experience for residents and encouraging connections with the surrounding landscape.

Material selection is another crucial aspect of the MACROPRISM project. Utilizing timber for external cladding emphasizes warmth and a strong connection to nature, aligning with contemporary trends in sustainable architecture. Additionally, the inclusion of photovoltaic panels reinforces the project's commitment to renewable energy sources. The materials employed effectively balance performance and ecological considerations, showcasing a design approach that values both functionality and environmental impact.

One of the standout features of the MACROPRISM design is its community-centric layout. The arrangement of housing units promotes interaction among residents, creating communal spaces that encourage social engagement. This thoughtful planning aspect acknowledges the importance of community ties in today’s often fragmented urban environments, fostering a sense of belonging and collective identity.

The project also embraces a zero-carbon initiative, adhering to stringent sustainability criteria that address environmental concerns. By prioritizing low-impact materials and energy-efficient systems, the MACROPRISM project sets a precedent for future developments in architecture. This proactive stance on sustainability not only reduces the carbon footprint but also serves as an educational model for other architects and urban planners striving for responsible design solutions.

In terms of architectural ideas, MACROPRISM reflects an approach that integrates advanced design techniques with practical considerations. The project’s modularity permits growth and change, addressing the dynamic nature of living conditions in urban areas. This responsiveness to shifting demographics and needs particularly resonates with the challenges of contemporary urban living.

For those interested in a more in-depth analysis of this project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs will provide valuable insights into how these elements come together to form a cohesive vision. The thoughtful integration of sustainability, modularity, and community engagement positions the MACROPRISM project as an exemplary model in the realm of contemporary architecture. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation to appreciate the full spectrum of architectural innovations that define this endeavor.
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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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