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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs in Sustainable Community Housing

Author:
Roniel Vincent Armas
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs in Sustainable Community Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a green roof system, the design creates sustainable housing that fosters community interaction and integrates local agricultural practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame design to enhance structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to provide efficient construction and sustainability.
04
Integrates a green roof system to promote biodiversity and local farming practices.
05
Designed to foster community interaction through shared living spaces and flexible layouts.
The Bagua Houses project presents a contemporary architectural response tailored for rural farming communities in China. This design revolves around the traditional concept of the bagua, an octagonal layout inspired by feng shui, aiming to promote harmony and connectivity among its residents. The project seeks to address the functional needs of families while integrating their cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

The layout consists of modular components that can adapt to varying family sizes, reflecting flexibility in design. Each unit incorporates essential living spaces, including bedrooms, communal areas, and multifunctional rooms, thoughtfully organized to foster social interaction and community ties. This emphasis on connectivity underscores the importance of shared experiences in rural life.

Innovative Design Approaches

A distinctive feature of the Bagua Houses is the use of environmental design principles. The incorporation of green roofs not only enhances the aesthetic value but also provides agricultural opportunities, allowing residents to engage in gardening and contribute to their food security. This approach aligns with local farming practices and helps to enhance the ecological performance of the dwellings.

The project's architectural design also integrates passive heating and cooling techniques by utilizing strategically placed windows that optimize natural ventilation and light. These elements reduce the reliance on mechanical systems, thereby promoting energy efficiency. The choice of materials, including concrete and wood, reflects local availability while ensuring durability and resilience against climatic conditions.

Spatial Considerations and Functional Layout

In terms of spatial organization, the layout features distinct areas within the octagonal structure, each demarcated to serve specific functions. The masters’ bedrooms, positioned to offer privacy, are thoughtfully situated to minimize noise from communal areas. Central living spaces are designed to invite family gatherings, reinforcing relationships and community spirit.

Moreover, the multipurpose "Room of Choice" stands out as a unique aspect of the design, allowing adaptability for future needs, whether additional sleeping arrangements or storage space. This room embodies the project’s vision of flexibility and responsiveness to inhabitants' changing requirements.

The Bagua Houses project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of architectural solutions that prioritize community living while preserving cultural values. For those interested in further exploration, detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs provide comprehensive insights into the project's innovative concepts and practical applications. Engaging with these resources can deepen understanding of how the Bagua Houses effectively merge tradition with contemporary architectural practices.
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Enter an open architecture
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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
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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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