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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Define Sustainable Living Spaces in Urban Context

Authors:
Madjid Montazeri, Kubat Aiupov, Ali Behmaram, Nasrin Mohammadi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Define Sustainable Living Spaces in Urban Context

Project in-detail

Emphasizing charred wooden shingles and expansive green roofs, this residential development redefines urban living by fostering community through innovative modular design and sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features green roofs that promote biodiversity and improve energy efficiency.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to streamline construction and reduce waste.
04
Design includes modular units that adapt to various demographic needs and lifestyles.
05
Integrates extensive community gardens to foster social interaction among residents.
Pixel Housing represents a thoughtful and contemporary approach to urban residential architecture within the vibrant context of Toronto. This project addresses the pressing need for adaptable and sustainable living environments in an ever-densifying urban landscape. It embodies a concept centered around community interaction, ecological integrity, and the accommodation of diverse lifestyles, presenting a model for future residential developments.

The core function of Pixel Housing is not only to provide living spaces but also to create a neighborhood atmosphere that encourages social engagement among residents. The project emphasizes communal areas, shared amenities, and pathways that invite residents to connect, fostering a sense of belonging and community cohesion. This design approach recognizes the importance of cultivating environments where individuals can maintain privacy while also interacting with their neighbors, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life.

Pixel Housing features a series of modular units that are visually organized in a staggered pattern, reminiscent of pixelation in digital design. This modularity allows for a variety of living configurations, accommodating singles, couples, and families alike. The architectural design employs a variety of materials, with an emphasis on sustainability and durability. The use of glass in the building's façade facilitates natural light penetration, creating bright interior spaces while promoting transparency with the surrounding environment. In addition to glass, the project incorporates natural wood finishes that add warmth and an organic quality to the structure, while steel elements provide necessary strength and stability.

Concrete plays a critical role in the foundational and structural components of the buildings, ensuring resilience over time. Importantly, the integration of green roof systems demonstrates a commitment to ecological sustainability. These green roofs not only contribute to biodiversity but also enhance thermal insulation and promote energy efficiency, making the project environmentally responsible.

The site plan is meticulously designed to maximize green spaces and encourage pedestrian movement. Communal gardens are interspersed throughout the development, providing residents with spaces for relaxation, socialization, and outdoor activities. The thoughtful arrangement of units around these communal spaces fosters interaction among neighbors and enhances the overall community atmosphere.

Additionally, the architectural sections of the project reveal well-thought-out vertical living arrangements. Each unit is designed to accommodate various demographic needs, ensuring that Pixel Housing caters to a wide array of residents. Single units maintain compact efficiency, couple units allow for more shared living space, and family units offer ample room for family activities while also providing private retreats for individual members.

One of the unique aspects of Pixel Housing is its emphasis on adaptability. The modular design allows for flexibility in unit configurations, enabling the project to respond effectively to changing demographic trends and lifestyle needs over time. This adaptability is a key consideration in modern urban architecture, allowing residences to evolve in tandem with shifting societal patterns.

Pixel Housing is a notable example of how architecture can contribute to the creation of more sustainable and interactive urban environments. The project not only serves as a residence but also as an integral part of the urban fabric of Toronto, promoting social interaction and sustainability. By delving deeper into architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers can gain further insights into how Pixel Housing successfully marries form with function, ultimately offering a model for future residential projects in urban settings. Explore the project to discover how it envisions community living in a contemporary context.
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Enter an open architecture
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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
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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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