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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Urban Family Living Spaces

Author:
Aixuan Li
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Enhance Urban Family Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and green roofs, the design fosters community engagement and sustainability within multifaceted living spaces for families in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates green roofs that enhance urban biodiversity.
02
Features communal kitchens designed to foster social interaction among residents.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Adopts a flexible layout to accommodate diverse family structures.
05
Includes a fresh market area to support local vendors and community engagement.
The architectural project titled “Family & Beyond” addresses the demand for affordable housing in urban settings, specifically situated in Berlin at Heidestraße 18-17. This design aims to accommodate a variety of familial configurations and individual lifestyles, reflecting the diverse social fabric of the city. The project's functionality centers on creating an inclusive living environment that balances communal engagement and private living spaces, providing residents with various options tailored to their needs.

Community-Centric Living Spaces

The design of “Family & Beyond” features distinct building units, each offering unique layouts tailored to support different types of residents. Building Unit 1 comprises communal areas, such as kitchens and dining spaces, that encourage interaction among residents. This approach fosters a sense of community by providing settings for socialization and collaboration.

In contrast, Building Unit 2 offers a combination of private living quarters with shared amenities, aiming to strike a balance between personal space and community interaction. Building Unit 3 targets individuals and couples, focusing on affordability while maintaining essential communal facilities, such as laundry rooms and shared recreational areas. These diverse layouts showcase an adaptable living environment that prioritizes flexibility.

Sustainable Design Commentary

A notable aspect of this project is its commitment to sustainability. The integration of green roofs and communal gardening spaces reflects a strong environmental ethos, promoting urban biodiversity and allowing residents to engage in local food initiatives. These features not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the development but also serve practical purposes such as stormwater management and insulation.

The material palette is a significant consideration in this project, utilizing reinforced concrete for structural strength, glass for natural light maximization, and wood for warm interior finishes. This selection of materials supports the project’s focus on durability, sustainability, and a connection to nature, creating an inviting atmosphere for residents.

Innovative Community Engagement Features

The project also integrates features that enhance community engagement beyond mere living space. The inclusion of a fresh market area provides local vendors with a space to operate, fostering economic interaction and accessibility to fresh produce for residents. Additionally, the outdoor gardening spaces are designed to serve as educational hubs for sustainable practices, empowering residents to take part in gardening and environmental stewardship.

The architectural design effectively addresses contemporary housing challenges by creating an environment conducive to community bonding while accommodating various family structures. The project’s thoughtful layout, sustainable practices, and community engagement features make it unique among typical urban housing developments.

For a comprehensive understanding of the project, viewers are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into its innovative approach to affordable housing. The details embedded in the architectural ideas of “Family & Beyond” reveal a commitment to enhancing urban living through mindful design.
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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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