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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining Sustainable Urban Housing

Authors:
Timothy Mathieu, David Burdon
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design exemplifies a harmonious blend of sustainability and modern aesthetics, creating vibrant, affordable housing that fosters community connection in the heart of Toronto.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce construction time and improve sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and enhances interior space while minimizing material use.
04
Interconnected communal areas promote resident interaction and foster a sense of community.
05
Innovative landscaping integrates native plants, enhancing local biodiversity and reducing maintenance needs.
The project presents a modern architectural design focused on creating affordable housing in Toronto, Canada. This initiative stands as a response to the growing need for accessible living spaces that cater to a diverse population while promoting sustainability and community connectivity. The design represents a thoughtful merging of functionality and aesthetics, demonstrating how architecture can effectively address social challenges within urban environments.

At its core, the project's function revolves around providing a range of housing options that accommodate varying family sizes and income levels. The multi-unit dwellings are designed to foster a sense of belonging among residents while ensuring each family has access to essential amenities. Central to this design is the emphasis on communal areas, which are distributed throughout the complex, inviting social interaction and collaboration among the residents. These spaces are crucial in not only enhancing the quality of life but also in cultivating a strong community spirit.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in the thoughtful layout of spaces. The architectural design merges private and public areas seamlessly, promoting a balance between individual privacy and communal interaction. Each unit features private balconies, which serve as personal outdoor spaces, while larger communal areas encourage residents to gather, relax, and engage with one another. The arrangement of the buildings is intended to enhance accessibility, with pathways designed to facilitate movement through the complex and connect residents to surrounding green spaces.

Materiality plays a significant role in the project, with a selection of durable and sustainable materials carefully chosen for their aesthetic and functional qualities. Reinforced concrete is used for structural elements, providing strength and stability. The extensive use of glass in the facades allows for abundant natural light to flood the interiors, creating an inviting atmosphere while erasing the barriers between indoor and outdoor living. Steel complements the design in structural support and balcony features, and natural wood introduces warmth to the spaces, further enhancing the overall ambience.

Another noteworthy aspect of the project is its commitment to sustainability. The incorporation of natural greenery and eco-friendly landscaping is intentional, as it not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal but also promotes environmental stewardship. The design encourages biodiversity and offers residents spaces where they can connect with nature, thus fostering a healthier lifestyle.

The project embodies an adaptable design philosophy, allowing for flexibility that can cater to diverse demographics. Its ability to accommodate different living arrangements—singles, families, and seniors—illustrates a responsiveness to the evolving needs of urban dwellers. Through a combination of innovative architectural designs and a keen understanding of community dynamics, this project serves as a benchmark for future housing solutions in urban centers.

This analysis captures the key components of the project, highlighting its functional, aesthetic, and social dimensions. For those interested in diving deeper into the intricacies of the design and to better understand the architectural plans and sections, a closer examination of the project presentation will reveal comprehensive insights into the innovative ideas that underpin this housing initiative.
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Enter an open architecture
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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
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