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Charred Wooden Shingles and Interconnected Spaces in Flexible Urban Housing

Authors:
Yichen Zhai, Daniel Wen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Interconnected Spaces in Flexible Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop flexible modular units that promote social interaction, while carefully planned green spaces enhance the communal environment of this urban housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic texture.
02
Flexible modular units allow personalized configurations for diverse resident needs.
03
Integrated green spaces support biodiversity and encourage outdoor community engagement.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural integrity with reduced carbon footprint.
05
Bent A-frame design optimizes interior space and enhances natural light penetration.

## Overview

Located in China, "The Living Street" project addresses modern collective living through a flexible urban design that harmonizes with diverse urban contexts. The intent is to revitalize underutilized areas by fostering vibrant communities and interaction among residents. The design philosophy, inspired by Bruce Lee’s concept of adaptability, aims to create spaces that fluidly respond to their environment, thereby enhancing connectivity and social engagement.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The spatial layout features a linear corridor structure that promotes an immersive experience while giving access to varied community amenities. Residential units are strategically modular, allowing for customized arrangements that meet communal needs. Semi-private inner streets serve as communal hubs, fostering interactions among residents, while the inclusion of green spaces and gardens enhances the ecological footprint and supports local biodiversity. The design emphasizes pedestrian circulation with a clear hierarchy of pathways and thoroughfares, allowing safe navigation for both pedestrians and vehicles.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection is deliberate, focusing on sustainability and functionality. Concrete provides essential structural support, while glass façades enhance natural light and blur indoor-outdoor boundaries. Wood introduces warmth into communal areas, while metal elements contribute to a modern aesthetic. Native plants in the landscaping support local ecosystems and promote environmental health. Collectively, these materials not only serve practical purposes but also contribute to the overall aesthetic identity of the development, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban living.

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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

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