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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Redefining Urban Community Spaces

Author:
Ho Sin Chang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Redefining Urban Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and green roofs blend seamlessly in a design that transforms urban spaces into vibrant community hubs focused on sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic value.
02
Green roofs support local biodiversity and improve thermal performance.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
04
Integrates porous paving to facilitate stormwater management and reduce runoff.
05
Incorporates communal gardens designed for community engagement and food production.

## Overview
Located in the densely populated Zhonghe and Yonghe districts of New Taipei City, Taiwan, the Urban Valley initiative addresses urban congestion, limited green spaces, and the prevalence of unauthorized structures. The design proposes a comprehensive approach to urban planning by integrating architectural, environmental, and social elements, ultimately aiming to enhance ecological restoration and community engagement within the urban fabric.

## Spatial Strategy
The spatial organization of the project is informed by the natural topography of valleys, creating an undulating terrain that facilitates both movement and interaction. Central to the design is a main pathway that traverses the site, bordered by buildings of varying heights, which aids in optimizing natural ventilation and light exposure. Key features of this spatial strategy include flexible pedestrian pathways that promote exploration and community interaction, as well as varied building heights that maintain unobstructed views and a sense of openness throughout the area.

## Material Selection
Material choices are carefully considered to reflect functionality and sustainability, promoting a harmonious relationship with the urban environment. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, glass facades to maximize natural light, and green roofing systems to enhance thermal performance and support local biodiversity. Furthermore, porous paving is employed for walkways to improve drainage and reduce surface runoff, while wooden elements provide warmth and texture in communal spaces.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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
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