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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Timothy Wong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Defining Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades create a striking visual identity while fostering community living in a thoughtfully designed urban housing environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide natural fire resistance and an aesthetic unique to the region.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and enhances natural light distribution.
04
Community spaces are integrated at multiple levels to foster social interaction and accessibility.
05
Extensive landscaping incorporates native vegetation to support local biodiversity and sustainability.
Atherton Square Garden is a comprehensive architectural project designed to revitalize social housing in an urban setting. This development aims to address both the functional and social needs of a diverse community while ensuring environmental sustainability. The design integrates various residential typologies, including townhouses and medium-rise structures, facilitating a harmonious living environment that promotes connectivity and interaction among residents.

Enhancing Community Interaction

One of the defining features of Atherton Square Garden is its emphasis on community engagement. The layout features a central plaza that serves as the focal point for residents to gather, socialize, and participate in community activities. This communal space is equipped with performance areas and recreational zones, allowing for organized events that strengthen social ties. The project prioritizes pedestrian circulation, with pathways that encourage residents to move freely throughout the site and access shared facilities easily.

The architectural design incorporates townhouses with private balconies and shared gardens, fostering a sense of ownership while also supporting communal gatherings. Medium-rise apartments provide a different living experience, allowing for various family sizes and configurations. The design includes ample green spaces and play areas that cater to families, ensuring that outdoor experiences are accessible to all residents.

Sustainable Practices and Materials

The materials used in Atherton Square Garden play a crucial role in reinforcing sustainability throughout the project. A combination of concrete for structural integrity, wood for warmth in finishes, and glass to enhance natural lighting exemplifies a holistic approach to materiality. These choices not only enhance aesthetic values but also promote energy efficiency through passive design strategies.

The integration of natural elements within the architectural framework encourages a healthy lifestyle and connects residents with nature, which is often lacking in urban developments. The project effectively utilizes landscaping to create inviting outdoor spaces that complement the built environment, enhancing the overall livability of the area.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of Atherton Square Garden, the reader is encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas associated with this project. Detailed examinations of these elements will provide deeper insights into how the project successfully merges functionality with community-oriented design.
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
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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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