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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Enhance Urban Living in Modular Housing

Author:
Océane Polizzi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Enhance Urban Living in Modular Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, this modular housing solution redefines urban dwelling by blending sustainable materials with adaptable living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates a flexible modular design that allows for easy reconfiguration of living spaces based on resident needs.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized not only for aesthetic appeal but also for their fire-resistant properties, enhancing safety.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural strength while promoting sustainability through reduced carbon footprint.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation, creating a dynamic interior atmosphere.
05
Integrated outdoor communal areas foster social interaction among residents while connecting to the urban environment.
"The Berlin Clouds" is an architectural design project that emerges from a thoughtful response to the critical housing challenges faced by the city of Berlin. With rising property prices and the growing demand for affordable housing, this project stands as a beacon of innovative solutions within an urban context that often prioritizes profit over accessibility. "The Berlin Clouds" not only addresses the pressing need for housing but also invokes a sense of community through its unique architectural approach.

At its core, the project represents the idea of modular living, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability in design. The architectural layout consists of a series of stacked, interconnected volumes that create diverse living configurations. This structure allows for a range of residential options, accommodating various family sizes and lifestyles, thereby contributing to a more inclusive community. The project embodies the principle that urban architecture can respond to social needs while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

The main function of "The Berlin Clouds" is to provide sustainable, affordable housing while fostering social interaction. The arrangement of the modules promotes a sense of connectivity among residents, encouraging communal activities without compromising individual privacy. Outdoor spaces are integrated within the design, serving as communal areas for social engagement, relaxation, and recreation. This thoughtful integration of shared spaces highlights the potential for architecture to facilitate community building and enhance the overall quality of urban life.

The materials chosen for "The Berlin Clouds" are fundamental to achieving its design goals. The use of a robust steel framework ensures structural integrity while allowing for expansive interior spaces that are versatile and adaptable. The glass facades create a strong connection to the surrounding city, providing ample natural light and fostering a visual link between the inside and outside environments. On the interior, wood elements bring warmth and comfort, counterbalancing the industrial nature of steel and glass, and aligning with contemporary sustainability goals. Concrete forms the foundational elements, providing the necessary stability for such a dynamic structure.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout "The Berlin Clouds." The building's volumetric arrangement resembles the ephemeral quality of clouds, creating a visual metaphor for the elusive nature of affordable housing in Berlin. The architectural design encourages a dialogue between density and openness, harmonizing the need for increased housing capacity with the desire for personal space and community interaction. This balance is key to the project’s success, illustrating how modern architecture can negotiate the complexities of urban living.

Furthermore, "The Berlin Clouds" seeks to redefine perceptions of urban architecture. By adopting a contemporary modular design, it challenges traditional notions of static living spaces, replacing them with an adaptable framework that can evolve alongside its residents' needs. This adaptability is an essential feature for addressing the fast-paced changes characteristic of urban environments.

For those interested in delving deeper into this architectural initiative, exploring the project's architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the thoughtful considerations that underpin "The Berlin Clouds." By examining these elements, readers can appreciate how architectural ideas manifest in real-world applications, ultimately shaping the future of urban living in Berlin.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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