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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Urban Living Space

Author:
Hyunmo Kim
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form Sustainable Urban Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates sustainable materials with a thoughtful layout to create an urban living space that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and light.
04
Includes shared terraces designed for community interaction and engagement.
05
Prioritizes energy efficiency through strategic window placement and natural ventilation.

### Project Overview
"Open towards NY, Empty Canvas" explores the intersection of modern and contemporary architecture within the context of New York City. The design reflects the complexities and contradictions of the city's architectural narrative, promoting dialogue on identity and community. The intention is to navigate the urban landscape by questioning existing structures and drawing upon historical influences, ultimately responding to the socio-economic pressures confronted by residents today.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project utilizes a diverse range of materials aimed at fostering sustainability while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) serves as a primary structural element, selected for its lightweight properties and environmental advantages. Glass panels maximize natural light, facilitating visual connections with the surrounding urban environment, while recycled materials underscore a commitment to ecological responsibility. The use of traditional brick acknowledges New York's architectural heritage, providing continuity with historical styles and context.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The design incorporates a strategy of porosity, featuring voids that encourage interactions between interior spaces and the urban surroundings. Expansive glass façades optimize natural light, enhancing the quality of life for residents. Geometric design elements, including diamond and triangular shapes, contribute to dynamic visual characteristics while improving airflow and light distribution. Communal terrace spaces promote social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community within the densely populated area. Careful arrangement of housing units balances individual privacy with opportunities for communal engagement, ensuring that public and private spheres coexist harmoniously.

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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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