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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape Efficient Community Living

Author:
Andrew Smith
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape Efficient Community Living

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design integrates sustainable materials to create an affordable housing solution that prioritizes community connectivity and environmental health.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to enhance resource efficiency.
02
Features a modular construction approach to expedite building timelines.
03
Includes shared community kitchens designed for social interaction.
04
Utilizes a mix of lightweight cladding for improved energy performance.
05
Offers outdoor terraces that extend living spaces for residents.
The architecture of the resilience-focused project in San Francisco's Mission District seeks to address the pressing need for affordable housing while fostering community functionality. This development aims to support low-income residents through an inclusive design that emphasizes social interaction and connectivity. The project prioritizes natural light, longevity, and sustainability, effectively creating a living environment that meets diverse community needs.

Community-Centric Design

A primary feature of the architectural design includes extensive common spaces integrated throughout the building. These areas facilitate interactions among residents, promoting a sense of belonging and cooperation. The project strategically incorporates communal kitchens, lounge areas, and outdoor terraces, each designed to encourage and support community engagement. The spatial organization focuses on maximizing usable space, ensuring that both private units and shared areas are accessible, secure, and conducive to well-being. The thoughtful arrangement of these spaces contributes significantly to the project's overall aim of enhancing social coherence and support systems.

Sustainability and Innovative Approaches

The innovative approach to materiality is another distinguishing factor in this project. Utilizing cross-laminated timber (CLT) offers a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials while ensuring strength and durability. The external facade employs a combination of lightweight cladding and wood siding, providing a modern aesthetic alongside energy efficiency. The integration of a rainwater collection system and greywater recycling emphasizes environmental awareness, aligning the architectural strategy with broader ecological principles. These sustainable features resonate with current design trends that prioritize energy conservation and reduced environmental impact, making the project relevant in today's architectural discourse.

Functional and Practical Elements

The floor plan accommodates a diverse range of living situations through a mix of unit types. The configuration allows for privacy while balancing communal living. Natural ventilation and ample daylight are prioritized to enhance resident comfort and reduce reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems. The incorporation of outdoor spaces not only provides residents with areas for relaxation but also contributes to urban greening efforts, which help mitigate the heat island effect prevalent in densely populated areas. The project's design serves both immediate resident needs and long-term environmental goals.

For a deeper understanding of this architectural design and its implications, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs provide valuable insights into the innovative ideas driving this impactful project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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