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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Transforming Urban Rooftops Into Sustainable Living Spaces

Author:
Alin Mutu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Facades Transforming Urban Rooftops Into Sustainable Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles alongside expansive glass facades, this innovative residential design elevates urban rooftops into sustainable living environments that foster community interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to minimize environmental impact and increase efficiency in construction.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural lighting and ventilation throughout the units.
04
Integrates greenery into communal areas to promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Employs modular construction methods allowing for customizable configurations tailored to resident needs.
The Rooftop Units project represents a thoughtful intervention in urban architecture, addressing the increasing demand for housing solutions in densely populated metropolitan areas. By utilizing rooftops as a viable platform for residential units, the project not only maximizes existing urban land but also enriches the experience of urban living. This design showcases an innovative approach to modular housing, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to various building types and urban contexts.

Functionally, the Rooftop Units serve as additional living spaces, strategically designed to accommodate contemporary lifestyles. Each unit contains essential amenities while promoting social interaction through shared communal areas integrated into the design. The project aims to foster a sense of community among residents, transforming these rooftop spaces into vibrant environments that encourage people to gather, work, and enjoy their surroundings.

A critical aspect of the design is its commitment to sustainability. Utilizing a palette of materials that includes wood for aesthetic warmth, glass to enhance natural light, and steel for structural integrity, the Rooftop Units project embodies a modern architectural ethos. The use of glass in the façade allows for expansive views of the cityscape, creating a spacious feel within the units and blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. At the same time, the wooden façade treatment provides a natural touch, contributing to the overall organic appearance of the design.

One of the unique design approaches taken in this project is the meticulous integration of green infrastructure. The rooftop units are not just functional living spaces but also ecological extensions of the urban landscape. With features like green walls and landscaped terraces, the project enhances biodiversity and promotes better air quality, contributing positively to the urban ecology. This concept of greenery woven into the very fabric of the architectural design sets the Rooftop Units apart from conventional urban dwellings.

The emphasis on modularity in the design allows for diverse configurations, accommodating diverse living arrangements and personal preferences. This adaptability results in a variety of layouts and spaces, catering to individuals, families, or even collaborative living environments. Such modular structures not only incentivize community living but also provide a solution to the common problem of urban sprawl, making the most of available rooftops.

Moreover, sustainability is further emphasized through features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, which allow residents to harness renewable energy and contribute to the overall reduction of the building's carbon footprint. This conscious effort to promote environmental responsibility within the urban context underscores the project's role as a forward-thinking architectural response to contemporary housing challenges.

In summary, the Rooftop Units project illustrates a cohesive blend of innovative design and functional living spaces that respond to the unique demands of urban life. By transforming rooftops into habitable units, this project not only optimizes land use but also enhances the quality of life for its residents. It provides an example of how residential architecture can evolve to address contemporary challenges through smart design and sustainable practices. Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented, as they offer deeper insights into the thoughtful intentions behind each aspect of this innovative project.
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MICROHOME
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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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