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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in a Flexible Urban Residence

Authors:
Ja young Kim, Minju Seol, Seorin Choi, Juyeong Park
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades in a Flexible Urban Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design embodies a harmonious blend of sustainable materials and flexible spaces, catering to contemporary urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, offering enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for the exterior, providing a distinctive aesthetic and fire resistance.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while maintaining visual interest in the structure.
04
Large expanses of glass create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing natural light.
05
Flexible living spaces are designed to adapt to various lifestyles, promoting communal living without sacrificing privacy.
The project "We Have Own Stories" represents a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture, embodying a design philosophy that balances individual needs with communal living. The architectural design emphasizes adaptability, enabling a diverse range of lifestyles to coexist within a single structure. This residence, envisioned for a contemporary urban setting, uses innovative spatial arrangements to encourage both privacy and social interaction among its inhabitants.

At the core of the project is an understanding of the modern inhabitant's lifestyle, where routines often intersect and blend in communal spaces. The design incorporates two stories that host a variety of functions aimed at enhancing daily life. The open floor plan facilitates fluid movement between areas, making the transition from work to leisure seamless. Each space is purposefully curated to serve distinct functions throughout the day, thus avoiding rigidity in usage and promoting a dynamic living environment.

The architectural layout itself is an essential aspect of this project. On the lower level, communal areas such as the kitchen, dining, and living rooms are designed to be welcoming and foster interaction. Large windows envelop these spaces, not only providing ample natural light but also visually linking indoor life with the outdoor surroundings. The presence of balconies and terraces encourages residents to engage with exterior spaces, enhancing their overall experience of the home.

In contrast, the upper level focuses on personal retreats. Here, the layout accommodates quiet workspaces and cozy bedrooms. These areas are strategically placed to ensure that privacy is respected while allowing for brief interactions to occur organically. This duality of social spaces and personal enclaves brings a unique quality to the project, aligning with the project’s theme of storytelling—each resident can craft their narrative within the same architectural framework.

Materiality is another critical aspect of the design. The combination of concrete, glass, wood, and steel not only enhances the aesthetic but also contributes to the project's functionality. Concrete forms the backbone of the structure, providing durability and stability, while extensive glass installations create a strong indoor-outdoor connection. Wood accents offer warmth and texture, helping to soften the overall aesthetic and make it feel more inviting. Steel serves both functional and artistic purposes, with exposed beams contributing to the contemporary appeal of the design.

The concept is inherently tied to sustainability, reflecting a growing priority in contemporary architecture. Solar panels placed on the roof underscore a commitment to energy efficiency, while large windows promote passive heating and natural ventilation. This thoughtful integration of sustainable practices into the design supports the home’s ecological footprint while enhancing the occupants' quality of life.

Unique to this project is the narrative integration, where the design seeks to reflect the individual stories of its residents within the overall architectural composition. This personal touch transforms the living space from a mere structure into a backdrop for life itself. The narrative unfolds through the inhabitants’ routines in the provided environment, illustrating the synergy between structure and daily living.

Potential residents are encouraged to make this space their own, personalizing it to reflect their lifestyles while still fitting within the cohesive design. This flexibility allows for a diverse set of experiences, ensuring that the project speaks to a wide audience without compromising its architectural integrity.

As the project aims to redefine the potential of residential design, individuals interested in understanding its full scope are invited to delve deeper into its architectural plans, sections, and ideas. Exploring these elements provides significant insights into how this design effectively balances personal freedom with communal bonds, making it a noteworthy example of contemporary residential architecture.
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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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