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Charred Wooden Shingles and Limestone Facades Enriching Historical Urban Fabric

Author:
María González Aranguren
Charred Wooden Shingles and Limestone Facades Enriching Historical Urban Fabric

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and limestone façades seamlessly integrate modern functionality within the historical context of Alfama, creating revitalized public spaces that enhance community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to enhance durability and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for rapid construction and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes light and ventilation.
04
Integrates communal gathering spaces within historically significant sites.
05
Addresses urban connectivity through strategically placed pedestrian pathways.

## Project Overview

The Lisbon Story project is an architectural initiative focused on revitalizing the Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon, Portugal. This endeavor seeks to balance urban renewal with heritage conservation, ensuring that modern development effectively interacts with the existing architectural and cultural landscape of the area. The design approach emphasizes rehabilitation and reconfiguration of historical structures, with the intent of enhancing the neighborhood's livability and cultural connectivity.

## Geographical Context

Located within Alfama, one of Lisbon's oldest districts, the project site is characterized by narrow streets, medieval architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Historically, Alfama has encountered urban challenges, including deterioration and a decline in community engagement. The project addresses these challenges by proposing enhancements that respect the historical significance of the area while fostering a renewed sense of community through improved accessibility and social spaces.

### Architectural Composition and Materiality

The design strategy incorporates a range of building interventions to improve structural integrity and promote community use of public spaces. Key strategies include addressing the needs of poorly maintained buildings, creating communal areas for markets and gatherings, enhancing natural light and ventilation, and establishing connections through pedestrian bridges. Local materials, such as limestone, terracotta tiles, timber, and glass, are intended to reflect the region's architectural heritage while introducing a contemporary touch. The vibrant color palette used in visual presentations distinguishes building types and proposed interventions, visually representing the narrative of revitalization for neglected areas.

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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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