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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Create Community-Centric Living in the Desert

Author:
Yunjeong Lee
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Create Community-Centric Living in the Desert

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design fosters a communal atmosphere while providing a sustainable living environment in the heart of the desert.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates semi-public open spaces to enhance community interaction among residents.
02
Employs charred wooden shingles for both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Features expansive glass facades to maximize natural light and desert views.
05
Incorporates accessible pathways that seamlessly connect private and communal areas.

The architectural project is a proposed apartment complex located in Las Vegas that seeks to balance private living with community-oriented open spaces. The design encompasses a total area of approximately 32,515 square feet, featuring diverse residential units tailored to accommodate singles, couples, and families. The primary aim of this project is to create a functional living environment that promotes social interaction among residents while maintaining a degree of privacy in their personal living spaces.

The architecture integrates semi-public open space, which is a significant feature distinguishing this project from traditional apartment complexes. This space serves as a hub for community activity, allowing residents to engage in outdoor social interactions. By doing so, the design fosters a sense of community within the predominantly private living quarters that characterize residential neighborhoods in Las Vegas. The strategic planning of the layout ensures that communal areas are accessible while still maintaining the privacy of the individual units, elevating the overall functionality of the design.

Design Integration of Semi-Public Spaces

What sets this project apart is its focus on semi-public spaces that bridge the gap between the private and the public. The first floor of the complex is designed not just for residential purposes but also incorporates communal amenities such as lounges and outdoor play areas for children. This thoughtful integration encourages residents to interact and connect with one another, which is often lacking in apartment designs. The open area allows for activities that can enhance community spirit and engagement.

The design also prioritizes accessibility, with clearly defined pathways leading from residential units to communal spaces. These transitional zones not only facilitate movement but also promote visual connectivity between different elements of the complex. The ground floor layout maximizes foot traffic flow, drawing residents towards the open spaces while ensuring that amenities are readily available.

Materiality and Sustainable Design Considerations

The architectural design employs various materials chosen for their aesthetic and practical qualities. Concrete is likely used for its structural properties, while expansive glass elements are incorporated to optimize natural light and provide visual continuity between inside and outside. Wood may be utilized for certain finishing elements, adding warmth to the overall aesthetics. Steel frameworks provide durability and support necessary for the building's integrity.

Additionally, sustainable design considerations are inherent in the project's layout and material choices. The incorporation of landscaped areas not only improves visual appeal but also contributes to a microclimate that enhances the living conditions in the arid environment of Las Vegas. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability while addressing the environmental challenges of urban living.

For those interested in the architectural intents and specifics of this project, further exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and overall architectural designs will provide comprehensive insights into the methodologies and choices that define this complex. This project seeks to redefine how residential complexes can foster community living, setting a precedent for future designs in urban settings.

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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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