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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs in a Revitalized Urban Community Design

Authors:
Gennaro Finale, Vittoria Di giulio, Mario Galterisi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs in a Revitalized Urban Community Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and green roofs, the revitalization of a historic urban estate transforms the space into a thriving community hub that emphasizes sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainable construction practices.
03
Includes green roofs that support biodiversity and urban cooling.
04
Design emphasizes flexible living spaces adaptable to changing resident needs.
05
Integrates community gardens and public areas to foster social interaction.
The project "Protopia," situated in Greater London at the site of the former Robin Hood Gardens, focuses on revitalizing a historically significant but underperforming residential estate. This architectural endeavor is guided by the principles of community engagement, sustainability, and flexible living. By carefully reconfiguring the existing space, the project seeks to create an interconnected urban environment that meets the modern needs of its residents while honoring its historical context.

Designing with a strong emphasis on community, Protopia incorporates various public and semi-public spaces that promote social interaction among residents. The arrangement of housing units fosters a sense of belonging, with pathways and communal areas designed to facilitate movement and engagement. The layout's thoughtful circulation patterns help alleviate the isolating effects often encountered in urban living, setting Protopia apart from traditional developments.

Innovative Integration of Nature and Community Spaces

One of the standout features of Protopia is its integration of green spaces within the urban fabric. The design includes urban gardens, green roofs, and water features that support biodiversity and provide ecological benefits. These natural elements not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the architecture but also offer functional advantages such as stormwater management and urban cooling. The incorporation of biodiverse habitats creates an environment that encourages both wildlife and community interaction.

The project emphasizes multi-functional public spaces, allowing for diverse uses ranging from markets to recreational activities. This adaptability ensures that spaces remain vibrant and relevant throughout the seasons. The urban design encourages participation and provides residents with opportunities for interaction, which is a crucial aspect of addressing modern urban isolation.

Sustainability and Materiality in Architectural Design

Sustainability is embedded in the philosophy of Protopia, evident in both material choices and systems employed throughout the project. The selection of materials such as concrete, glass, wood, and brick reflects a commitment to durability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental responsibility. The use of recycled materials is prioritized, minimizing the project's carbon footprint and contributing to the overall sustainability narrative.

Additionally, the design incorporates energy-efficient systems and circular waste management practices, aligning with contemporary architectural standards for eco-friendly development. Flexible living spaces designed to adapt to varying household needs ensure that the architecture remains functional and relevant over time.

The architectural plans and sections of Protopia offer detailed insights into these unique design elements, revealing the project's multifaceted approach to addressing urban living challenges. By examining the architectural designs in depth, one can appreciate how Protopia merges historical heritage with modern innovation, creating a cohesive and functional urban environment.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas, further exploration of the Protopia presentation is encouraged. This will provide a clearer perspective on how the project embodies contemporary architectural practices while honoring its historical roots.
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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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