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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Cohesive Community Space in Urban Housing

Author:
Calvin Irvine
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Cohesive Community Space in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design fosters a sense of community and interconnected living within an affordable urban housing framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient structural performance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes available living space.
04
Promotes communal living through strategically designed shared areas.
05
Integrates sustainable building practices tailored to urban settings.
The Vancouver Longhouse is an architectural project designed to address the challenge of affordable housing in urban settings. The concept leverages communal living inspired by traditional longhouse structures, emphasizing connectivity among residents. The project functions not only as a residential space but also as an incubator for community interaction. By integrating various housing units into a cohesive framework, it promotes social interactions and supports the development of neighborhood ties.

The layout of the Vancouver Longhouse employs an organic configuration, allowing dwellings to interconnect and form a network. This approach enhances accessibility and encourages movement, aligning with the existing urban infrastructure of Greater Vancouver. The project advocates for a model that promotes shared public spaces, ultimately redefining how housing interacts with its environment.

Materiality plays a significant role in the Vancouver Longhouse. It employs a combination of wood, steel, glass, and concrete to create a balance between aesthetic appeal and structural durability. The use of wood not only pays homage to the cultural significance of longhouses but also imbues the design with warmth and community spirit. Steel framing ensures structural integrity while allowing for flexible design options. Glass is strategically used to foster transparency and visual connections among spaces, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Concrete serves as the foundation, providing stability and longevity to the structure.

Incorporating unique design approaches, the Vancouver Longhouse prioritizes social sustainability. Unlike conventional housing models, it fosters interdependence among residents, reshaping the perception of urban living beyond mere private ownership. By creating spaces that encourage communal interaction and collaboration, the project addresses the social fabric of urban life. Moreover, it seeks to inspire policy shifts that facilitate more community-oriented development rather than profit-driven agendas.

The architectural plans of the Vancouver Longhouse detail the innovative configuration of housing units and communal spaces. Architectural sections reveal insights into spatial relationships and the integration of various materials, illustrating a cohesive vision. Readers interested in understanding the specific architectural designs and ideas that contribute to this project are encouraged to explore the comprehensive presentation for detailed insights into the Vancouver Longhouse’s design and functionality.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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