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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable Urban Living Spaces

Author:
Andreas Thaler
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a distinctive façade for sustainable living spaces that seamlessly integrate into the urban environment while promoting community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while adding aesthetic character.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide rapid construction and structural stability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces.
04
Integrated vertical gardens promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Modular units allow for flexible living arrangements to accommodate diverse resident needs.

## Project Overview

The development comprises two interconnected phases designed for urban reprogramming within a dynamic urban area facing challenges related to population displacement and the demand for innovative housing solutions. The initiative aims to repurpose existing parking structures into sustainable living environments, reflecting a commitment to address housing shortages for low-income populations while promoting environmentally conscious practices.

### Phase I: Small Living System

The first phase focuses on transforming underutilized parking garages into multi-functional living quarters known as the "Small Living System." This approach prioritizes high-density living with minimal spatial footprint, addressing space optimization challenges inherent in urban settings. The design employs sustainable materials such as wooden panels for warmth and aesthetic appeal, cross-laminated timber (CLT) for structural integrity and rapid assembly, and reinforced steel to ensure load-bearing capabilities. In addition, green roof systems enhance insulation and support urban greening, while photovoltaic panels are integrated to bolster energy efficiency.

Interior spaces are configured for versatility, accommodating various functions such as work-from-home options, diverse sleeping arrangements, and innovative storage solutions embedded within walls. The modular design enables easy adaptation according to user needs, ensuring that each unit can transition from a living area to a workspace or dining setup as required. Unique features include vertical gardens that promote air quality and movable furniture elements like “ball rollers” and “heavy-duty slides” to maximize utility within confined spaces.

### Phase II: Urban Parasite

The second phase, titled "Urban Parasite," reimagines the role of parking structures in urban life, creating a social hub that combines residential units with public amenities and increased greenery. The design integrates features such as urban forest areas to promote biodiversity and communal spaces that include gardens, workshops, and recreational zones aimed at fostering community connections.

Material choices expand upon those used in Phase I, incorporating kingpin quadrant insulated wall panels for enhanced energy conservation and glass facades that introduce ample natural light, reducing reliance on artificial illumination. Innovative systems such as soluble growth platforms facilitate plant cultivation through controlled illumination and humidity, while wind nets provide protection from harsh conditions while promoting a favorable microclimate. A notable aspect of the design is the inverted garden concept, which integrates green spaces into the vertical structure, visually softening its urban presence while enhancing accessibility to public amenities.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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