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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape Community Living in Urban Environment

Author:
Deepak Maurya
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape Community Living in Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design fosters a sustainable living environment while promoting community interaction in a densely populated urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes innovative cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes dedicated urban farming terraces to promote food sustainability among residents.
05
Offers a unique hexagonal layout that encourages social interaction and community engagement.

The Tessellated Abode is a residential project located near the Locarno Hotel in Toronto, Canada. This design represents a modern approach to urban living, characterized by its hexagonal tessellation that maximizes space efficiency while promoting community interaction. By utilizing a unique modular layout, the project caters to varying family sizes and dynamics, creating a flexible living environment that is both practical and aesthetically cohesive.

The primary function of the Tessellated Abode is to provide comfortable and sustainable housing options in a dense urban setting. The project includes multiple unit types, specifically 1 BHK and 2 BHK configurations, accommodating different lifestyle needs. Each unit is designed with access to communal spaces, fostering a sense of community among residents.

Unique Geometric Design

The hexagonal shape serves as a critical element of this architectural design. This geometrical choice not only maximizes the use of available land but also introduces a visual rhythm that differentiates the Tessellated Abode from typical rectangular housing developments. The design incorporates staggered balconies and terraces, allowing for both private outdoor space and shared communal areas. This promotes social interaction amongst residents, reinforcing community ties.

The project's structural composition features cross-laminated timber panels, which provide sustainability benefits along with structural integrity. This material choice contributes to a reduced carbon footprint, aligning with current ecological standards in contemporary architecture. Complementing this are mineral insulation boards and laminated flooring, exacerbating the focus on both efficiency and comfort within residential spaces.

Integration of Communal Spaces

In addition to individual units, the project emphasizes the importance of communal areas. Shared terraces and winter gardens serve as central gathering points. These spaces not only facilitate social interaction but also encourage activities such as gardening, enhancing community engagement. The design's integration of urban farming concepts addresses food security and sustainability in urban contexts, setting it apart from conventional residential projects.

The architectural plans and sections detail the project’s comprehensive layout, showcasing the interaction between private units and shared amenities. The unique design strategies employed in the Tessellated Abode reflect a keen understanding of modern urban living, addressing both functional and environmental considerations while ensuring a cohesive living experience.

For a deeper insight into the architectural plans, sections, and design ideas behind the Tessellated Abode, explore the project presentation. Engage with the details that define this innovative architectural approach.

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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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