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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Define a Multifunctional Living and Work Space

Authors:
Erik Vodenik, Simon Magerl
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Define a Multifunctional Living and Work Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and green roofs, the development offers a sustainable mixed-use environment tailored for young creatives, seamlessly blending residential and workspace functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinct aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to structural integrity and sustainability.
03
A communal green roof integrates nature into the urban design.
04
Flexible unit configurations accommodate diverse living arrangements.
05
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and views.

## Project Overview

The proposal for affordable housing in Sydney focuses on creating an integrated living environment specifically designed for young professionals and creatives. Addressing the need for affordable housing in an urban context, the initiative aims to respond to contemporary challenges within Sydney's dynamic socio-economic landscape.

## Urban Configuration

The design emphasizes the integration of multiple urban functions—residential, commercial, and recreational—within a cohesive structure. This approach advocates for a compact urban model that fosters community interaction, contrasting with traditional zoning practices that create isolated areas for living, working, and leisure. The proposal envisions a singular structure that accommodates diverse activities, promoting a lifestyle where residents can easily transition between different modes of interaction throughout their day.

### Design Strategies

The spatial organization features interconnected living units arranged around a central communal area, enhancing accessibility and encouraging social engagement. Additional facilities, including a landscaped communal space and mixed-use retail outlets, underpin a sustainable lifestyle that prioritizes proximity to essential services and recreational opportunities. These elements culminate in a design that not only serves residential needs but also nurtures a collaborative atmosphere reflective of the contemporary creative economy.

## Materiality

The selected materials for the project focus on durability and aesthetic coherence while aligning with sustainability objectives. Concrete serves as the primary structural material, ensuring robust support, while recycled bricks contribute both character and environmental responsibility through material reuse. Glass is utilized to enhance transparency and natural lighting throughout the spaces, promoting openness.

### Sustainable Features

Green roofing systems are incorporated to improve thermal performance and support local biodiversity, seamlessly integrating nature into the urban fabric. Additionally, wood elements provide warmth and comfort to living spaces, enhancing the overall user experience. This careful selection of materials underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for future residents.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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