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Charred Wooden Shingles and Living Walls in Modular Community Housing

Authors:
Nur Kayali, Melis Cetin, Cem Aydin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Living Walls in Modular Community Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and integrated living walls, the modular housing units create an adaptable residential community that prioritizes sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be reconfigured for diverse household needs.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Living walls enhance biodiversity and air quality within the community.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation.
05
Spaces for urban agriculture promote self-sufficiency among residents.
The Block Stock Housing project is an innovative architectural initiative designed to tackle urban housing challenges in London. The project employs a modular approach, providing a flexible housing solution that caters to a diverse range of inhabitants and lifestyles. Characterized by its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, the design integrates various elements to create not only living spaces but also areas that foster interaction among residents.

Modularity is a key feature of the Block Stock project, allowing for individual housing units to be relocated or reconfigured as needed. This adaptability addresses both the spatial constraints inherent in urban environments and the evolving needs of residents. Each module is crafted to support varying sizes of households, thus promoting inclusivity within the project. The aesthetic choices reflect a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment, highlighting the use of materials that enhance the building's integration into its urban context.

Innovative Design Strategies

A defining aspect of the Block Stock Housing project is its focus on community-oriented spaces. The arrangement of the housing units around communal green areas encourages social interaction, making it easier for residents to engage and share resources. This communal emphasis creates a supportive living environment that contrasts sharply with traditional high-density housing models, which often prioritize individual units at the expense of communal life.

The architectural design includes features such as large glass openings to maximize natural light, while also ensuring adequate ventilation. The use of eco-friendly materials, including timber cladding and specially designed bricks, supports sustainability objectives without compromising on aesthetic appeal. The incorporation of green roofs and living walls further enhances the project’s ecological footprint, providing insulation while fostering biodiversity.

Environmental Considerations

The project integrates passive solar heating and natural ventilation strategies, aimed at optimizing comfort and energy efficiency. Orientation of the modules is carefully considered to achieve effective sunlight exposure, balancing heating during winter with adequate shading in the summer months. These environmental measures work in concert with high thermal mass materials that help regulate indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on mechanical systems and lowering overall energy consumption.

The design also incorporates spaces for urban agriculture, promoting self-sufficiency within the community. This emphasis on food production not only enhances the project’s sustainability credentials but also provides residents with opportunities for collaboration and learning.

The Block Stock Housing project serves as a practical example of how architectural design can address contemporary urban challenges. With its focus on modularity, community integration, and environmental sustainability, it stands apart from conventional housing developments. Explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain deeper insights into the project and discover how its innovative approaches shape urban life in London.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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