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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Lift Platforms Enhance Compact Urban Living

Authors:
Jeffrey Lam, Douglas Leung
Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Lift Platforms Enhance Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and flexible lift platforms, the design maximizes spatial efficiency while fostering community interactions in a compact urban living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and low maintenance.
02
Incorporates flexible lift platforms for multifunctional use of space.
03
Features large glass panels to optimize natural light and connections to the outdoors.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for efficient structural performance.
05
Integrates passive design strategies to reduce energy consumption.

The architectural project located in Suginami, Tokyo, emphasizes the principles of Micro-metabolism, reflecting a responsive design that adapts to the demands of urban living. This project addresses the challenge of limited space in densely populated areas, aiming to enhance the function and experience of small-scale living. Its design integrates various living spaces and communal areas, fostering a sense of connection among residents while maintaining individual privacy.

The project features multiple lift platforms that organize the interior layout into distinct areas, each designed for specific functions. These platforms facilitate movement and interaction within the space, allowing users to transition seamlessly from private to communal settings. The versatility of the design allows the platforms to serve as dining areas, storage, and living spaces, maximizing usability in a compact footprint.

The material palette consists of wood, glass, concrete, and steel, chosen for their structural properties and aesthetic qualities. Wood contributes warmth to the interior, while glass enhances natural light flow and visual continuity between indoor and outdoor environments. Concrete ensures robustness, providing the necessary structural integrity for multi-level spaces. Steel elements support the overall framework while adding a modern touch to the architectural expression.

Active design strategies distinguish this project from similar residential structures. The incorporation of movable lift platforms introduces a dynamic element to the architecture, allowing for adaptable living arrangements that respond to individual needs. Additionally, passive design features such as thermal mass and strategic orientation contribute to energy efficiency, minimizing reliance on mechanical systems.

The layout emphasizes community engagement, fostering social interactions through shared spaces integrated with the building’s design. These communal areas facilitate connections between residents while respecting personal privacy, reinforcing the project's focus on harmonious urban living.

For an in-depth examination of this innovative architectural project, explore the presentation to see architectural plans, sections, and design details that illustrate the thoughtful integration of space and functionality within this significant urban environment.

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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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