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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Shape a Contemporary Living Environment in an Urban Context

Author:
Michael Min
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Shape a Contemporary Living Environment in an Urban Context

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and green roofs, this residential development redefines urban living by creating adaptable spaces that foster creativity and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Flexible interior layouts allow residents to customize spaces for personal and professional use.
03
Green roofs integrated into the structure promote biodiversity and manage stormwater runoff.
04
Large, strategically positioned windows maximize natural light while connecting indoor and outdoor environments.
05
The use of cross-laminated timber panels reduces carbon footprint and enhances sustainability.
The architectural design project known as Haight's Living Society presents a thoughtful response to the complex social and spatial needs of contemporary urban living, situated within the historically rich Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. This project encapsulates the essence of community-focused housing while paying homage to the area’s cultural heritage, characterized by a diverse and artistic population.

At its core, Haight's Living Society represents a seamless blend of private and communal living, particularly tailored for individuals seeking a balance between personal space and social interaction. This project recognizes the importance of adaptability in residential design, catering to the varied lifestyles of its residents. It is designed to function not only as a place to live but also as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and connection among neighbors.

The architectural layout introduces a dynamic arrangement of stacked and offset living spaces that encourage community engagement. Each unit is carefully configured to optimize interaction while still providing the essential privacy that residents desire. The design incorporates a rich variety of communal spaces, including gardens and shared terraces that serve as focal points for social gatherings and activities, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and functionality of the project. A blend of reinforced concrete, sustainable timber, and expansive glass is strategically utilized throughout the structure. The use of reinforced concrete provides the necessary stability and flexibility to create complex architectural forms. Sustainable timber is employed to enhance warmth and connection with the environment, making the living spaces feel inviting. Generous glass windows ensure an abundance of natural light, while also blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living, essential in promoting a holistic lifestyle.

A unique aspect of Haight's Living Society is its thoughtful approach to sustainability. The design integrates green roof systems that contribute to environmental sustainability by improving stormwater management and reducing energy consumption within the building. The overall architecture incorporates energy-efficient systems and emphasizes the use of eco-friendly materials. This consideration for sustainability addresses both current living demands and future ecological responsibilities, driving the project towards a more sustainable form of urban living.

One of the most innovative features of this project is the flexibility of its spaces. The units are designed with movable partitions, allowing residents to customize their environments according to their personal and professional needs. This adaptability makes the living spaces particularly attractive to individuals in creative fields who may require different setups for their work or leisure activities, thus accommodating a range of lifestyle preferences while maximizing the utility of each apartment.

Haight's Living Society also addresses the interaction with the local context, respecting the neighborhood's history and vibrancy while introducing modern elements that resonate with contemporary societal trends. Rather than imposing a foreign architectural style on the historic district, the design harmonizes with its surroundings, reinforcing the cultural narrative of the Haight-Ashbury area as a vibrant community where art, diversity, and creativity flourish.

In summary, Haight's Living Society is a well-considered architectural project that adeptly balances individual needs with the spirit of community living. By integrating flexible design, sustainable materials, and a keen awareness of its cultural context, the project not only provides unique housing solutions but also enriches the social fabric of the Haight-Ashbury district. For those interested in further exploring the architectural ideas and specifics behind this project, including architectural designs, plans, and sections, a deeper dive into the project presentation is highly encouraged.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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