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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable Urban Living Spaces
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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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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

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Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

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