Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Structures for Community Resilience in Coastal Housing

Authors:
Johann Steven Mejia Estrella, Melany Abigail Gonzalez Sanmartin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Elevated Structures for Community Resilience in Coastal Housing

Project in-detail

Elevated structures using charred wooden shingles support a sustainable living environment designed to enhance community resilience against coastal flooding while promoting self-sufficiency through integrated farming spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes flood risk while promoting natural ventilation.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength and sustainability.
04
Integrated communal gardens support local food production.
05
Bent A-frame design optimizes sunlight exposure and energy efficiency.
The EcuLiving Lab represents an innovative approach to architectural design aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable coastal communities in Ecuador. This project emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and community engagement through its carefully crafted spaces and layouts. The architecture reflects a commitment to creating adaptable housing that can withstand the impacts of climate change while fostering a sense of community among residents.

One of the core functions of the EcuLiving Lab is to provide elevated housing solutions that are capable of resisting flooding and other environmental hazards. The design incorporates several individual housing units arranged on a lightweight structural frame. This elevated design minimizes direct contact with the ground, significantly reducing the risk of water damage. Key design components include green roofs, natural ventilation systems, and communal gardens, all of which contribute to the project's overall sustainability.

Unique Design Approaches

EcuLiving Lab distinguishes itself through its focus on bioclimatic design principles and community-centric elements. The project employs local materials, such as TEKA wood, known for its durability and resistance to the coastal environment. Prefabricated metal structures are utilized for their structural integrity while maintaining a lightweight profile, which is critical for elevating the housing units.

Textile membranes are part of the architectural fabric, providing aesthetic appeal and functionality in terms of regulating solar exposure. The integration of perforated panels allows for efficient airflow, contributing to the overall thermal comfort of the living spaces. Furthermore, the project's design includes rainwater harvesting systems that enhance self-sufficiency and sustainability by utilizing natural resources effectively.

Community Engagement and Agricultural Integration

The EcuLiving Lab promotes a sense of community through shared spaces and communal gardens, which occupy the areas between the housing units. These gardens serve a dual purpose: they are not only spaces for food cultivation but also venues for social interaction among residents. This design approach underscores the importance of community resilience and food sovereignty, empowering inhabitants to grow their food and remain engaged with one another.

In summary, the architectural design of EcuLiving Lab is a focused response to the unique challenges of coastal living while fostering community solidarity. The combination of sustainable building practices, adaptive use of materials, and community-centered design creates a robust framework for resilience against climate challenges. To explore the project presentation further and discover in-depth details about architectural plans, sections, and designs, interested readers are encouraged to seek additional information about this significant architectural initiative.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy