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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Community Focused Co-Living Environment

Authors:
Radwa El maghraby, Mohamed El-kady, Remonda Amir, Ruba Al-Haddad
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Community Focused Co-Living Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this thoughtfully designed co-living environment fosters community engagement while ensuring a harmonious connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
The innovative use of charred wooden shingles enhances fire resistance while creating a visually appealing texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to both structural stability and sustainable construction practices.
03
The unique pentagonal footprint allows for diverse spatial experiences and maximizes communal interaction.
04
Biophilic design elements are incorporated throughout, connecting residents with nature while improving indoor air quality.
05
An integrated vertical circulation strategy fosters engagement among different levels, encouraging a sense of community.
The presented architectural project is characterized by its emphasis on creating a co-living environment that deeply engages the senses while fostering community interaction. This design represents a modern approach to communal living, where the focus is not solely on individual residences but on shared experiences and a sense of belonging among residents. The function of this project extends beyond mere housing; it aims to cultivate a holistic lifestyle that encourages collaboration, socialization, and a connection to the natural environment.

A notable aspect of the project is its architectural form, which adopts a pentagonal layout. This unconventional shape facilitates a dynamic flow throughout the space, enabling seamless movement between various communal areas. The arrangement promotes visibility and interaction among residents, reinforcing the project's commitment to enhancing social connections. The open communal areas, including shared kitchens, lounges, and gardens, have been strategically situated to serve as hubs for activity and engagement, encouraging spontaneous gatherings and communal activities.

The materiality of the project plays a pivotal role in its overall design philosophy. The use of natural materials such as wood and stone introduces a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wood serves as the primary cladding material on the exterior, providing both aesthetic appeal and acoustic insulation, contributing to a sense of comfort. Glass is extensively utilized to maximize natural light and create visual connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design choice not only enhances the living experience but also reinforces the relationship between the inhabitants and their surroundings. Concrete, used for its structural integrity, is complemented by the organic textures of stone in walkways and outdoor areas. Such thoughtful materiality supports the project’s goal of providing a unique sensory experience through varied textures and elements.

The design also incorporates significant landscape features, blurring the lines between built and natural environments. Green spaces, with well-integrated plant life, add life to the communal areas and serve a dual purpose: they enhance air quality and provide visual delight while engaging the senses of sight and smell. This biophilic aspect of design effectively aligns the inhabitants with nature, offering a retreat from the urban landscape.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The emphasis on the interplay of sensory experiences through architecture is particularly noteworthy. Each space within the complex is designed with the intention of engaging touch, smell, vision, sound, and taste, making the living environment a multifaceted experience. This holistic design philosophy sets the project apart from conventional residential models, where the focus is often limited to functional living spaces rather than the overall experience of living.

The vertical integration of spaces is another innovative design element. By connecting different levels, the project allows for horizontal and vertical interaction among residents, encouraging a diverse range of communal experiences. This fluidity in movement is a deliberate choice that enhances the vibrancy of the community, ensuring that residents can engage with one another easily throughout the structure.

In conclusion, this architectural project exemplifies a comprehensive approach to designing communal living spaces that prioritize social interaction and sensory engagement. The careful selection of materials, the unique pentagonal shape, and the thoughtful integration of green spaces all contribute to the creation of a welcoming and dynamic environment. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation to explore architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that further illuminate how this project successfully merges functionality with an enriched living experience.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
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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