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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in a Community-Centric Urban Housing Model

Authors:
Po-yu Chung, Jingyi Xu, Jingyi Xu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in a Community-Centric Urban Housing Model

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design cultivates a blend of communal space and individual privacy, creating a supportive residential environment for seniors in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that promotes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes interstitial spaces designed specifically for social interaction.
05
Integrates community-centric amenities on the ground floor for accessibility.

### Project Overview

Located in Manhattan's SOHO district, the **"Life In-Between"** development offers an innovative solution for senior housing while actively integrating residents into the urban environment. The design prioritizes community engagement and aims to combat social isolation among elderly individuals by creating a living space that encourages interaction and connection within the neighborhood, effectively situating seniors within the broader urban context.

### Spatial Strategy and Connectivity

The design incorporates a multifaceted spatial strategy that balances private and communal areas, catering to the varied needs of senior residents. By eschewing traditional forms of senior housing, the project promotes shared experiences through features such as communal gardens and open markets that strengthen neighborhood ties. The layout emphasizes transitional spaces that facilitate social interaction, enhancing the overall user experience.

The architectural form utilizes a grid arrangement to organize both private and communal units, maximizing light penetration and promoting cross-ventilation. The ground floor design serves as a public hub, seamlessly blending commercial and community spaces. Such configurations not only foster a sense of openness but also support pedestrian flow, connecting residents to the street life and activities of the city.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects both structural integrity and a commitment to creating a welcoming environment. Reinforced concrete provides the necessary support for larger volumes, while expansive glass facades ensure abundant natural light and visual transparency. Additionally, wood finishes contribute warmth to the interiors, enhancing comfort for residents.

Commitment to sustainability is evident through the use of low-emission paints and finishes, promoting a healthier living space. By incorporating these materials, the design not only supports environmental health but also enhances the quality of life for its users. The unique blend of durability and aesthetic appeal encapsulates the project's intention to foster a sense of community and belonging among seniors in an urban setting.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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