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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Oliver Thomas, James Dowding
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this urban housing development emphasizes sustainability and community with its flexible living spaces designed for diverse families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to minimize carbon footprint and construction time.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes community co-working spaces integrated into the residential structure.
05
Promotes biodiversity through extensive green roof systems supporting urban wildlife.
The design project "Affordable Housing 2.0" is a forward-thinking solution aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis prevalent in urban areas, particularly in cities such as London. This project emphasizes a sustainable and community-centric approach to housing development. It combines modular design with innovative financing mechanisms to create adaptable living spaces that cater to diverse demographics and promote community engagement.

The architectural layout consists of a high-rise structure that incorporates both residential units and communal spaces. The project consists of varied housing typologies, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and multi-generational units, allowing flexibility for small and large households. Sustainable materials such as mass timber and low-carbon concrete are utilized throughout, highlighting a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Community interactions are facilitated by strategically designed public spaces integrated within the structure. The podium level supports a variety of amenities including co-working areas and green roofs, creating an environment conducive to social interaction and community-building.

Innovative Financing and Community Engagement

One of the standout features of this project is its approach to financing, which incorporates crowd-sourced funding. This strategy enables potential residents to invest in their future homes, fostering a stronger connection to the development while also democratizing access to housing. The design process actively involves the input of future residents, ensuring that the outcomes align with the community's needs.

The modular design approach not only enhances spatial adaptability but also streamlines construction processes, allowing for quicker project delivery. The building’s vertical elements incorporate staggered balconies, providing each unit with outdoor access and contributing to the overall livability of the environment. This design choice encourages a community-oriented lifestyle and integrates biophilic principles, promoting a connection to nature.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of the "Affordable Housing 2.0" project. The incorporation of green roof systems, along with the use of renewable energy sources, aligns with contemporary environmental standards, significantly reducing the project's overall carbon footprint. Interior spaces are designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, enhancing energy efficiency while creating pleasant living conditions.

Through innovative technology, such as blockchain for transparency in financial transactions, the project showcases modern methodologies aimed at improving both the construction process and community engagement. This blend of technology with architectural design underscores the potential for housing projects to adapt to changing societal needs.

For those interested in exploring the full scope of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements, a closer examination of the presentation is encouraged. Understanding the integral aspects of "Affordable Housing 2.0" promises to provide valuable insights into contemporary housing solutions that prioritize sustainability, adaptability, and community involvement.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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