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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Modern Urban Habitat

Authors:
Hongyuan Lu, Xiaoqi Zou
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Modern Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles harmonize with cross-laminated timber panels to create a contemporary urban dwelling that emphasizes sustainability and cultural resonance.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles provides enhanced durability and fire resistance while honoring traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed not only for structure but also for their thermal efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
03
Terraced green spaces are integrated throughout the design, promoting biodiversity and creating outdoor community areas within the urban setting.
04
A bent A-frame design supports both structural integrity and unique architectural aesthetics, allowing for expansive interior spaces.
05
Interior sightlines are carefully curated to echo natural landscapes, creating a continuous visual connection with the surrounding environment.
The project under analysis is an architectural endeavor that thoughtfully merges traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary design principles. This initiative emphasizes wood as a central material, reflecting its significance in the cultural and historical context of Chinese architecture. Situated within an urban landscape, the building not only serves practical functions but also pulls from the rich narrative of Chinese landscape painting to create an engaging experience for its users.

This architectural design represents a journey through space, echoing the fluid brushstrokes found in classical Chinese paintings. The project aims to evoke a sense of harmony and connectedness with nature, allowing occupants to reflect and engage with their surroundings. Functionally, it houses various spaces tailored for both community interaction and individual privacy. The blending of open areas with more intimate spaces encourages collaboration and engagement while ensuring comfort and tranquility.

Key elements of the design include a series of stacked volumes that create a dynamic profile against the urban backdrop. Each level is extensively designed to enhance natural light entry through expansive glass curtain walls, which not only bring the outside in but also offer panoramic views of the surrounding environment. This integration of light serves both aesthetic and psychological benefits, creating inviting interior environments.

The project employs cross-laminated timber, known for its durability and sustainability, as a primary structural material. This choice reinforces the connection to traditional building practices while also aligning with modern sustainability goals. Additionally, the design incorporates wooden grilles for shading, enabling creators to control light and enhance visual experiences within the spaces. Alongside these materials, the use of suspension trusses and structural poles supports the building's height while reflecting effective engineering solutions.

Details within the project further accentuate its unique design approach. For instance, the incorporation of terraces and integrated green spaces seamlessly merges the building with its landscape, creating a dialogue between indoor and outdoor environments. Pathways resemble the natural contours of the terrain, inviting users to explore various aspects of the site much like one would peruse a landscape painting.

This project takes a holistic approach to design, demonstrating a sensitivity to both human experience and environmental context. By placing an emphasis on materiality, the structure fosters a strong emotional connection for its occupants, integrating historical values with modern living demands. The thoughtful layout creates spacious environments conducive to interaction while maintaining distinct areas tailored to functionality.

Unique to this design is its ability to balance openness and intimacy, allowing for social interaction without sacrificing the personal comfort necessary for a multifaceted urban environment. The project's strategic use of sustainable materials not only addresses environmental considerations but also challenges conventional notions of what a high-rise building can achieve, demonstrating that modern architecture can respect and even enhance cultural narratives.

For those interested in delving deeper into this innovative architectural project, a review of the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insights into the thoughtful considerations made throughout the design process. Exploring these elements can enrich the understanding of how this project encapsulates a blend of cultural reverence and cutting-edge design strategies, making it a significant addition to the landscape of contemporary architecture.
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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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