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Charred Wooden Shingles And Glass Façades In A Community-Centric Urban Residence

Author:
Magdalena Witek
Charred Wooden Shingles And Glass Façades In A Community-Centric Urban Residence

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles and expansive glass façades, the design creates a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces while fostering community interaction in a modern urban residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize construction efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes rooftop gardens to support biodiversity and provide communal gathering spaces.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels seamlessly into the façade for renewable energy generation.
This architectural design project is a thoughtful response to the growing need for sustainable and affordable housing in a burgeoning urban environment in Australia. It addresses the complex demands of modern living, aiming to create a vibrant community space that caters to a diverse demographic. The project combines innovative design, community interaction, and sustainable practices, producing a multi-family residential building that accommodates various lifestyles.

At its core, this architectural project represents a commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. It seeks to redefine urban living by ensuring that residents not only have access to individual living spaces but also to shared areas that foster connection and collaboration. The design is inherently flexible, allowing for adaptability as family structures and community needs evolve. By focusing on modular layouts, the building can accommodate single individuals or large families without compromising on comfort and functionality.

Examining the important parts of the project reveals a carefully considered spatial arrangement. The design emphasizes the integration of communal spaces that serve as social hubs, encouraging interaction among residents. These areas include landscaped terraces, gardens, and gathering spots, all meant to enhance community bonds. The strategic positioning of these spaces fosters a sense of belonging while ensuring residents can retreat into their private areas when desired.

The project's materiality plays a crucial role in its overall aesthetic and sustainability objectives. Utilizing a combination of concrete, glass, wood, steel, and renewable energy solutions such as photovoltaic panels reflects a blend of modernity and environmental consciousness. Concrete provides necessary structure and stability, while glass facades allow abundant natural light to penetrate the interior spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere. Wood is thoughtfully employed in various finishes, adding warmth, and helping to humanize the robust architecture. Steel components contribute to the building's durability and longevity, ensuring that it meets the demands of urban living for years to come.

One of the project's unique design approaches is its incorporation of biophilic elements. The integration of greenery through vertical gardens and balcony plantings not only enhances the visual appeal of the building but also promotes biodiversity and supports overall well-being. These elements create a tangible connection between residents and nature, which is increasingly important in urban environments where natural landscapes can be sparse.

The architectural plans indicate a meticulous focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. Passive design strategies, such as natural ventilation systems and optimized thermal performance, are fundamental to reducing energy consumption. The use of eco-friendly materials further underscores the project's commitment to sustainability, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and reducing the overall impact on the environment.

Overall, this architectural design project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban living, merging aesthetic sensibility with functional requirements and sustainability goals. The unique emphasis on community-centric spaces, adaptability, and environmental consciousness distinguishes the project in a landscape marked by a pressing demand for thoughtfully designed residential solutions. Readers interested in exploring the architectural sections, designs, and ideas behind this project are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its distinctive attributes and design philosophy.
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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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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