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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Integrate Community Spaces in Urban Housing

Author:
Eugene Ong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Integrate Community Spaces in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design provides a sustainable foundation for affordable housing that fosters community interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and sustainability.
03
Features communal courtyards designed to encourage social interaction.
04
Integrates media mesh elements to enhance visual connection with the community.
05
Adopts a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and ventilation.

The SuperFaçade project situated in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco is an architectural design aimed at addressing urban homelessness through innovative housing solutions. This project embodies a community-centered approach, strategically positioned to foster inclusivity and engagement among residents while utilizing sustainable materials. The building functions as a mixed-use development, integrating affordable housing units with communal spaces that promote social interaction and community support.

The design incorporates Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for structural integrity, offering both durability and environmental sustainability. The façade features unique prototypical billboards that visually connect with the community, while media mesh and green walls enhance aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Additionally, the project includes community courtyards and roofscapes, designed to facilitate collaboration and interaction among residents.

Innovative Community Engagement

The SuperFaçade project distinguishes itself through its community-driven design process. Involving local stakeholders and potential residents from the earliest stages allows for a tailored approach to housing that genuinely addresses local needs. This participatory model not only empowers future residents but also enhances the project's relevance and effectiveness in tackling social issues in the area.

The architectural design embraces mixed-use typologies that cater to diverse living arrangements, thereby accommodating varying demographic needs. By prioritizing communal spaces, the project encourages neighborhood ties and support networks, essential components in urban environments often fragmented by socio-economic divides.

Sustainability and Economic Viability

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the SuperFaçade design, evident in its material selection and energy-efficient systems. The green roofs and waste recycling features highlight the project's commitment to environmental stewardship while promoting urban biodiversity. Furthermore, the design includes frameworks for economic sustainability, ensuring that affordable housing can be maintained over time without compromising quality or accessibility.

This project serves as a relevant case study for future developments in urban housing, demonstrating how innovative architectural strategies can effectively address socio-economic challenges in dense urban settings. For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind SuperFaçade, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation in detail.

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

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Competition organisers

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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The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
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