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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Flexible Urban Housing Solution

Authors:
Vladislav Kusenkov, Аnna Zhurko
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Flexible Urban Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design provides a flexible urban housing solution that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates innovative cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural integrity and insulation.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that improve durability and fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
03
Employs a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the units.
04
Integrates green roofs to support biodiversity and mitigate urban heat effects.
05
Prioritizes modular construction methods, allowing for adaptability and efficient on-site assembly.

The S+2 House showcases a contemporary approach to urban housing in San Francisco, California, aiming to address the growing need for affordable living solutions. This architectural project consists of a series of modular units designed to optimize living space while ensuring sustainability and practicality. By employing innovative engineering and construction methods, the S+2 House presents a well-structured response to urban housing challenges.

Design and Functionality
This architecture integrates multiple unit typologies, ranging from 20 to 50 square meters, each catering to diverse resident needs. The project employs Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) as the primary construction material, offering structural efficiency and sustainable characteristics. The incorporation of green roofs, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems further enhances the building's environmental performance, promoting a reduced ecological footprint.

The design emphasizes community-focused living, featuring public spaces on the ground floor that include retail shops and community gathering areas. This arrangement facilitates interaction among residents, fostering a sense of belonging within the urban environment. The unique figure-eight configuration of the building not only aids in maximizing natural light and views but also allows for flexibility in design, enabling residents to modify their spaces as needed.

Sustainability and Community Integration
The sustainability initiatives embedded in the S+2 House are significant. The use of renewable energy sources and water conservation methods underlines the project’s commitment to reducing resource consumption. The emphasis on modular construction techniques ensures efficiency and reduced waste during the building process, addressing common concerns associated with urban development.

In addition to its sustainability features, the focus on community integration sets the S+2 House apart from conventional residential projects. By positioning communal areas at ground level, the architecture invites social interaction. Such elements not only enhance the living experience but also provide opportunities for residents to engage with neighboring amenities, promoting an active and connected lifestyle.

Architectural Efficiency and Adaptability
The architectural design prioritizes both efficiency and adaptability. Each housing unit is constructed with flexibility in mind, allowing for potential modifications to accommodate changing lifestyles. The arrangement of units in a modular format streamlines construction and can be scaled to meet varying demands within the community.

The strategic layout also contributes to effective spatial planning, optimizing available land while reducing the reliance on extensive external infrastructure. As a result, the S+2 House serves not only as a residence but as an example of how urban architecture can respond to the multifaceted requirements of modern city living.

Explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative ideas that constitute the S+2 House. This exploration can provide a broader understanding of how contemporary architectural solutions are shaping urban environments.

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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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