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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Create Dynamic Community Spaces Over Transit Infrastructure

Author:
Chang Yuan Max Hsu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Create Dynamic Community Spaces Over Transit Infrastructure

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels, the design integrates community spaces with transit infrastructure, enhancing urban living along Tokyo's Shuto Expressway.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features expansive glass walls to maximize natural light and urban views.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame that enhances architectural expression and space utilization.
05
Strategically integrates community areas within transit infrastructure to promote social interaction.

### Overview

The architectural design project aligns with the Shuto Expressway in Tokyo, Japan, an essential transportation artery in a densely populated urban environment. This initiative focuses on the interaction between urban living and infrastructure, highlighting the complexities involved in integrating residential spaces with high-speed transit systems. The intended outcome is to create a built environment that encourages community engagement while efficiently addressing the spatial constraints of the expressway.

### Spatial Strategy

Central to the design is the concept of **Pet Architecture**, characterized by its adaptability and emphasis on human interaction. The project incorporates urban elements within the expressway framework, facilitating a seamless connection between transportation and daily life. The layout emphasizes communal spaces, reflecting traditional Japanese living practices while accommodating modern social dynamics. Open floor plans support various activities and interactions, thus fostering a sense of community among residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a critical role in achieving both functional and aesthetic objectives. Primary materials used include:

- **Wood**: Employed for its warmth and connection to nature, enhancing the human-centric approach in both structural and decorative applications.
- **Glass**: Utilized for extensive facades, fostering transparency and maximizing natural light, which enhances the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- **Concrete**: Used for its structural stability, effectively accommodating the demands posed by the expressway infrastructure.
- **Metal**: Incorporated to provide durability and a contemporary aesthetic, harmonizing with the expressway's design language.
- **Textiles**: Introduced in interior spaces to add comfort and softness, counterbalancing the hardness of other materials.

The integration of sustainable technologies and materials further underscores the project's commitment to adaptability and environmental responsibility. Through innovative design and material use, the project addresses the challenges posed by urban density while honoring the cultural context of Tokyo.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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