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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Redefining Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Bryan Alcorn, Chelsea Raflo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Redefining Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, this innovative conversion of existing parking structures creates sustainable, affordable housing that fosters community and engagement within urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural efficiency and reduce construction waste.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Adapts existing parking structures, maximizing urban space without new land use.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that facilitates unique interior layouts and natural light.
05
Promotes community engagement through shared amenities and communal gardens.

The San Francisco Built Trusts project proposes an innovative architectural solution to the housing challenges facing San Francisco. It focuses on the transformation of under-utilized urban spaces, particularly parking decks, into affordable housing units. The design integrates modular construction techniques, emphasizing sustainability and efficiency. The residential units range from studios to three-bedroom apartments, accommodating diverse household sizes and needs. The overarching goal is to provide enduring, affordable living options while fostering a sense of community among residents.

A significant aspect of this project is its use of a community land trust model, which enables residents to acquire ownership of their units while the trust manages the land. This framework is designed to maintain affordability, combating common issues of market fluctuations and gentrification. By focusing on equitable access, the project aims to serve a broad demographic, creating a vibrant living environment that reflects the community's diversity.

Integration of Modular Construction Techniques

The San Francisco Built Trusts project employs factory-built modular units, which streamline the construction process while ensuring consistent quality control. This method not only reduces construction time but also minimizes waste, reflecting a commitment to sustainable architecture. Each unit is designed with a focus on maximizing living space within a limited footprint. The project emphasizes vertical and horizontal expansions, enabling a variety of layouts that foster interaction between residents.

Shared community amenities are a critical aspect of the design, offering resource rooms, outdoor spaces, and gardens that encourage social engagement. These features are intentionally included to build a cohesive community, essential for urban living. The focus on shared spaces complements the individual units, promoting connections among residents and enhancing overall quality of life.

Location and Site Considerations

The project targets approximately 71 acres of available spaces, specifically utilizing upper levels of parking structures. Potential development sites include strategic locations such as 5th and Mission, and Embarcadero and Broadway, ensuring that the housing solutions are accessible and beneficial to various populations. By identifying underutilized areas in prominent urban locations, the project aims to maximize the potential of existing infrastructure.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are integral to the project's design. Although specific materials are not listed, the emphasis on eco-friendly construction techniques suggests the use of durable, sustainable materials throughout the design. The incorporation of green roofs, solar panels, and communal gardens further supports environmental sustainability and enhances urban biodiversity.

To gain a more thorough understanding of the San Francisco Built Trusts project, readers are encouraged to explore related architectural plans, sections, and designs. This exploration will provide deeper insights into the architectural ideas and unique aspects that define this project.

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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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