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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Multigenerational Living Context

Authors:
Akshat Jain, Peyton Voight, Shavonte Grant, Alicia Kandall
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Multigenerational Living Context

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the development fosters a vibrant intergenerational community that seamlessly blends independent living with educational resources.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, the façade provides enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels create a warm interior while minimizing the project's carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design enhances structural stability and promotes natural light penetration.
04
Integrated communal plazas encourage social interaction among residents of all ages.
05
Flexible living units are designed to adapt to the changing needs of multigenerational families.

## Overview

Located in an urban setting, the EDU-CITY Campus Transformation Project aims to create an environment that supports lifelong learning among a diverse demographic, including students and senior residents. By integrating senior housing within a college framework, the project seeks to foster intergenerational connections and establish a vibrant community that responds to the needs of both groups. The approach centers on encouraging collaborative engagement and addressing the societal challenges associated with isolation among older adults.

## Spatial Integration and Connectivity

The design emphasizes the importance of connectivity through carefully planned facilities that promote interaction among campus users. Active spaces such as existing soccer fields serve dual purposes, functioning as recreational areas and communal hubs. The incorporation of strategically designed pedestrian pathways and plazas stimulates spontaneous social interactions, facilitating a lively atmosphere across the campus.

### Functional Architectural Elements

Independent living units are characterized by spacious layouts, promoting active lifestyles for senior residents while fostering community engagement through communal areas. The intergenerational housing and community care center align closely with essential services and student amenities, enhancing the overall residential experience. Additionally, the design allocates areas for community gatherings, encouraging artistic expression and local initiatives that strengthen social bonds.

## Sustainable Material Selection

Materiality reflects a commitment to sustainability and context sensitivity, utilizing wood to introduce warmth within residential units and glass to enhance visibility and natural light in communal spaces. Durable concrete is employed for structural foundations and outdoor areas, merging modern aesthetics with long-lasting functionality. The choice of materials supports both environmental considerations and the project’s integration into the existing urban fabric.

The project also incorporates green spaces that contribute to residents' mental well-being and provide natural settings for relaxation and social interactions. Overall, this design promotes a holistic approach to community living that is both inclusive and sustainable, addressing the diverse needs of its users.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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