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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Enhancing Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Weronika Kozak, Natalia Torbiarczyk, Jakub Chrząstek, Agata Mila
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Enhancing Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates an inviting community space that blends sustainability with modern urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic warmth.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates communal gardens that foster community interaction and environmental awareness.
05
Adopts flexible layouts to accommodate diverse living arrangements and evolving needs.
The architectural project at Robin Hood Gardens embodies a thoughtful approach to urban living, designed to revitalize an area in East London while integrating history, community, and sustainability into its very fabric. This project represents a significant response to the evolving needs of urban residents, offering a vision that balances modernity with the richness of the past. By examining its functional aspects and distinctive design elements, one can appreciate how this project aims to create a holistic living experience.

At its core, the project functions to re-envision the residential landscape of Robin Hood Gardens. It serves not just as a collection of housing units, but rather as a community ecosystem where residents can connect, collaborate, and thrive. The design promotes a sense of belonging, allowing for diverse living arrangements that cater to families, individuals, and various demographic groups. This cooperative model encourages residents to share resources and responsibilities, fostering camaraderie in a setting often characterized by isolation.

The layout of the project is particularly noteworthy, characterized by clusters of interconnected living spaces. Each cluster is designed to facilitate social interaction among residents, with communal areas such as gardens and recreational spaces strategically placed to invite engagement. These areas become vital components of the architecture, promoting community gatherings and shared experiences. The integration of flexible living spaces within the clustered design enables residents to adapt their homes to their evolving needs, whether through reconfigurable layouts or shared amenities.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The architects have embraced a combination of traditional and contemporary materials, such as brick, glass, wood, steel, and concrete, creating a harmonious balance between the historic character of the area and modern design sensibilities. Brick façades pay homage to the surroundings while glass elements enhance natural light and create visual connections to the exterior environment. This thoughtful selection of materials contributes to the overall sustainability of the project, demonstrating a commitment to energy efficiency and low-impact living.

Another exceptional aspect of this project is its emphasis on outdoor spaces. The design intentionally incorporates gardens and terraces, not only to serve as private retreats but also as communal gathering places. These outdoor elements encourage residents to cultivate their landscapes, promoting environmental stewardship and personal engagement with nature. The use of rooftop extensions maximizes usable space while providing residents with unique views and experiences that contribute to a sense of place.

The attention to accessibility plays a crucial role in the architectural design as well. The project is structured to allow ease of movement for all residents, including families with children and elderly individuals. Navigable paths, ramps, and thoughtfully placed entrances ensure that everyone can comfortably access the various amenities offered within the community.

This architectural undertaking captures the essence of what urban living can aspire to be in an age of increasing housing demands and community disconnection. By interweaving principles of sustainability, accessibility, and historical reverence, the project serves as a model for future developments in urban areas that seek to prioritize human connection and environmental responsibility. For those interested in in-depth analysis, exploring architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas associated with this project will provide further insights into the meticulous thought processes and strategies that shape its framework. Delving into these elements reveals the comprehensive planning and execution that underpin this significant endeavor in architectural design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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