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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Highlighting Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Crystal R Waddell
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Highlighting Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop cross-laminated timber structures, creating an eco-sensitive, adaptable housing solution that fosters community engagement in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles serve as a weather-resistant exterior, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Upper-level units include integrated shared greenhouses for local food production.
03
Pollinator gardens on the roof attract biodiversity and support environmental health.
04
A micro-lift system improves accessibility for all residents throughout the building.
05
Timber frame construction prioritizes local materials to reduce environmental impact.

## Project Overview

PLAN(T)ED is situated at the intersection of Bathurst and Wolesley Streets in Toronto, within a publicly owned site that aims to enhance urban living through sustainable and innovative housing solutions. Targeting middle-density housing, the project seeks to promote ecological sensitivity while fostering community engagement. Its strategic location near transit hubs and underutilized public land underscores its intent to serve as a model for responsible urban development.

## Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The architectural design employs a multi-layered spatial organization that facilitates efficient use of space. Upper dwelling units incorporate shared greenhouse spaces, while lower units enhance accessibility through a micro-lift system. Shared gardens, plazas, and commercial areas, including a mini-grocery store and cafes, are designed to encourage community interaction and support daily needs. Notably, the inclusion of upper-level greenhouses promotes food production and ecological education, contributing to an interactive community environment.

## Sustainable Materials and Construction Techniques

The project prioritizes sustainable construction materials to minimize its ecological footprint. Solar panels are incorporated to harness renewable energy, while green roofs utilize local materials to enhance biodiversity. Wood frame construction serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials, and rain screens prevent water infiltration while adding to the aesthetic appeal of the structure. By emphasizing local resources, PLAN(T)ED also supports the regional economy and fosters a resilient urban framework.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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