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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Elevate Urban Living in Affordable Housing Design

Author:
Olivia Jeffries
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Elevate Urban Living in Affordable Housing Design

Project in-detail

With its distinctive charred wooden shingles and green roofs that enhance both aesthetics and sustainability, the design creates a harmonious living environment that promotes community engagement through thoughtfully organized affordable housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles which enhance durability and provide a distinctive visual texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency, allowing for faster construction timelines.
03
Communal courtyards are strategically positioned to encourage neighborly interaction and community building.
04
Green roofs are integrated into the architecture, promoting biodiversity and improving energy efficiency.
05
The layout prioritizes natural ventilation, ensuring optimal air flow and reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
The Tiered Gardens project presents a thoughtful exploration of contemporary architecture tailored to address the challenges of urban living. By integrating affordable housing with communal green spaces, the design exemplifies a modern approach to residential architecture, promoting sustainability and community interaction. This project reflects a growing recognition of the need for both housing solutions and social connectivity in vibrant urban environments.

At its core, the Tiered Gardens project serves a dual function: it provides essential living spaces for various demographics while creating environments that encourage community engagement. The architectural design focuses on a modular layout, with different types of housing units catering to the diverse needs of residents. By employing a strategy that emphasizes accessibility and openness, the project fosters an inclusive atmosphere where neighbors can interact within inviting shared spaces.

The architectural design showcases a structured arrangement of dwelling blocks that are architecturally cohesive yet distinct. These blocks are aligned to ensure that at least two sides of each unit benefit from natural light and ventilation. This design choice not only enhances the living experience by incorporating ample daylight but also promotes energy efficiency, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling systems. Each block opens into communal courtyards that serve as heartbeats within the residential landscape, promoting socialization and community activities.

The incorporation of green spaces is another key component of Tiered Gardens. The project mandates the presence of multiple forms of greenery, such as parks, gardens, and courtyards. These spaces are designed to be multifunctional, providing areas for relaxation, recreation, and horticulture, which is particularly valuable in urban settings where nature often takes a backseat to concrete structures. The presence of these green areas not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the project but also contributes positively to the psychological well-being of residents, offering a refuge from the bustle of city life.

Materiality plays a vital role in the design's success. By utilizing materials such as steel, concrete, and wood, the project balances durability with comfort. Steel is a fundamental component that offers structural integrity and contemporary aesthetics, while concrete provides stability and versatility in various applications. The choice of wood, particularly in interior elements, introduces warmth to the living spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere that contrasts with the cooler industrial materials. This careful selection of materials aligns with the project's emphasis on sustainability, ensuring longevity while minimizing environmental impact.

What distinguishes the Tiered Gardens project is its commitment to fostering a community-centered living environment. The design is not merely about physical structures but encompasses a broader vision that integrates social dynamics and ecological principles. Communal spaces are carefully designed to encourage interaction among residents, emphasizing the importance of community bonds in urban settings.

As you explore the presentation of the Tiered Gardens project, take note of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that offer further insights into the innovative ideas that underline the project. The architectural approach taken here is a testament to the possibilities of modern urban living, where thoughtful design meets essential housing needs in a post-industrial context. Delve deeper into the project to appreciate how these architectural ideas come together to create a cohesive and functional community.
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Enter an open architecture
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The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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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