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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in Integrated Urban Living

Authors:
Caroline Yeh, Joshua Kuh, Léonie Muno, Daniel Grafton
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in Integrated Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design integrates modular housing units within an urban framework, fostering community interaction and accessibility in affordable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes modular units that can adapt to varying family sizes and needs.
05
Strategically located near essential services to promote walkability and community interaction.

"Little Cities" is an architectural design project located in San Francisco that addresses the pressing need for affordable housing. This initiative embodies a community-focused approach to urban living, promoting social interaction and accessibility through a carefully planned housing strategy. The design features a diverse range of residential units integrated into an urban framework that prioritizes both individual privacy and communal engagement. By drawing inspiration from Victorian rowhouses, the project combines aesthetic heritage with modern functionality to create a cohesive environment conducive to quality living.

The layout of "Little Cities" adopts a modular approach, enabling the construction of housing units that cater to differing family sizes and needs. The units include configurations such as single and double rooms, as well as compact living spaces designed for individuals. Each unit emphasizes efficient use of space while incorporating thoughtfully designed communal areas that facilitate resident interaction. This blending of private and communal spaces is central to fostering a sense of community, allowing for shared resources and enhanced social wellbeing.

Innovative design principles characterize "Little Cities," distinguishing it from typical affordable housing projects. One notable aspect is its strategic integration of essential services within walking distance, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and community resources. This approach minimizes the dependency on transportation and enhances the overall livability of the community. Moreover, the project features varied site designs tailored to specific locations, addressing unique contextual challenges while promoting neighborhood identity.

Sustainability plays a significant role in the project’s material selection and overall building strategies. The use of wood for structural elements aligns with a commitment to environmentally friendly building practices, while the incorporation of metal and glass enhances both durability and aesthetic appeal. These materials not only contribute to the project's resilience but also facilitate optimal natural light and ventilation within living spaces.

The overall design of "Little Cities" promotes engagement among residents through its carefully curated public spaces and communal facilities. This architecture-driven community model serves as a powerful response to the challenges of urban life, suggesting that affordable housing can coexist with quality design and environmental responsibility.

To explore deeper insights into the project, readers are encouraged to review architectural plans, sections, and designs that reveal the underlying architectural ideas and the thoughtful execution behind "Little Cities."

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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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