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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Enhance Urban Micro-Living Solutions

Author:
Lilian Buchangroff
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Enhance Urban Micro-Living Solutions
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and transparent glass facades, this micro-living solution redefines urban density by offering efficient and adaptable housing units designed for community-oriented living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on rooftops and vacant lots, the project maximizes urban density.
02
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic contrast.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
04
Flexible modular units allow for varied configurations to meet different residency needs.
05
A community-focused layout promotes social interaction through shared public spaces.

### Project Overview
"MyCr[o] Living" addresses the housing challenges in New York City by introducing micro-apartment modules designed to optimize underused urban spaces. The project focuses on empty lots and rooftops of existing structures, facilitating co-living arrangements that cater to diverse income levels, with a particular emphasis on younger demographics, such as millennials. Key locations within the initiative include 161 Thompson Street and 59 West 128th Street, demonstrating adaptability across different neighborhoods.

### Design Philosophy and Modularity
The design philosophy centers on creating flexible, sustainable living environments that respond to the growing demand for affordable housing in urban settings. The micro-apartments feature modular designs, allowing for efficient stacking and varied configurations to maximize floor area. This approach not only supports increased population density but also promotes a sense of community while maintaining essential privacy in individual units.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs a diverse palette of materials that reflect both contemporary and historical architectural elements. Key materials include:

- **Brick:** Establishes a connection to the historical context of New York City while ensuring durability.
- **Glass:** Enhances transparency and natural light, fostering a connection to the vibrant urban atmosphere.
- **Metal Cladding:** Aids in creating modern aesthetics and supports structural integrity, emphasizing the project's commitment to sustainable practices, including provisions for solar energy systems on rooftops.

The micro-units, with a minimum area of 120 square feet, incorporate functional layouts, featuring adaptable living areas, private bathrooms, and community-oriented kitchen and common spaces. These design details ensure that both individual and communal needs are met, promoting a cohesive living environment.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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