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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Living Near Coogee Beach

Authors:
Yijun Yan, Ge Gao, Tingting Zheng
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Living Near Coogee Beach

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the facility seamlessly integrates sustainable materials with its community-oriented design, promoting interaction among residents in a coastal setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes low carbon timber sourced from local suppliers to reduce environmental impact.
02
Features communal terraces designed for social interaction among residents.
03
Incorporates GGBS concrete to enhance sustainability in the building materials.
04
Includes large glass facades for maximizing natural light and views.
05
Integrates eco-friendly technologies like rainwater harvesting and solar panels.

## Overview

Located at Coogee Beach, the architectural design of "The Interlocking" addresses the needs of elderly populations while promoting intergenerational interaction. This community-oriented facility aims to enhance the mental well-being of residents through integrated architectural solutions and careful site selection that emphasizes connections to the surrounding environment.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The design emphasizes permeability and connectivity, creating a layout that fosters social engagement among residents and between different age groups. Interlocking communal spaces facilitate various activities, enhancing opportunities for interaction. The facility is arranged over three levels to promote both privacy and community involvement, with dedicated areas for workshops, libraries, and gardens—all accessible to both residents and the broader community. The inclusion of terraces on each floor extends living spaces outdoors, encouraging movement and interaction with the natural landscape.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and community aesthetics. The use of locally sourced low-carbon timber and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) concrete reduces environmental impact while enhancing the warmth of the structure. Large glass facades optimize natural light and extend views of the beach, while perforated aluminum panels provide passive cooling. Energy efficiency is further enhanced through LED lighting, wind turbines, and solar panels, alongside rainwater harvesting systems that contribute to the building’s sustainable operations.

The residential units are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing inhabitants to personalize their spaces and fostering a sense of ownership. Thoughtfully placed windows not only ensure natural ventilation but also create a healthier living environment that nurtures well-being.

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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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