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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Forming Sustainable Courtyard Living

Author:
Alberto Roncelli
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Forming Sustainable Courtyard Living

Project in-detail

Cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles define a community-oriented residential complex that reimagines courtyard living while prioritizing sustainability and resource-sharing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural strength while optimizing material usage.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance and a distinctive aesthetic.
03
A central courtyard facilitates community interactions and supports urban gardening initiatives.
04
Modular housing units allow for easy adaptation to varying family needs over time.
05
Integration of a material bank promotes resource-sharing among residents.
The architectural project "Oasis" represents a forward-thinking model for urban living, integrating sustainable practices with community-oriented design. Set in a desert-like environment, likely within the Emirates, this project comprises 22 houses arranged around a central courtyard. This layout not only fosters a sense of community but also addresses climate considerations through its architectural strategies. The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing each unit to adapt to various family configurations while promoting ecological awareness and resource management.

Innovative Design Approaches

One of the defining features of the "Oasis" project is its focus on interconnectedness and community resilience. The residential units are designed with a hybrid typology, combining traditional courtyard houses with contemporary modular elements. This unique configuration encourages social interaction among residents and provides shared spaces for agricultural practices and communal activities. The central courtyard serves as a green lung for the neighborhood, enhancing biodiversity and improving climate control through vegetation.

Sustainability is central to the project's materiality and construction practices. The architectural design utilizes a thoughtful material palette that includes cross-laminated timber (CLT) for structural elements, biobased materials for internal partitions, and upcycled terrazzo tiles made from waste materials. This choice of materials not only reduces carbon emissions associated with construction but also supports local craftsmanship.

Architectural Details and Functionality

The "Oasis" project features modular housing units that can be easily customized or expanded, addressing the changing needs of families over time. The design incorporates passive cooling strategies—including shading devices made from sustainable wood species—to enhance thermal comfort in the harsh climate.

Additionally, innovative community features, such as a material bank for residents to exchange building materials, promote the principles of circular economy and resource sharing. This aligns with the broader goals of sustainability within the urban framework.

For those seeking to explore this architectural endeavor in greater depth, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide valuable insights into how "Oasis" integrates innovative design ideas within a practical framework for sustainable living.
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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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