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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Integrate Communal Living with Agricultural Heritage

Authors:
Macarena Reinoso, Chiara Stornaiolo
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Integrate Communal Living with Agricultural Heritage

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and local stone, the design offers a modular approach that integrates communal living and agricultural practices to foster sustainable rural communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and fire resistance while providing aesthetic texture.
02
Modular units allow for adaptable layouts, accommodating fluctuating community needs.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural efficiency and maximizes interior space.
04
Integration of communal gardens promotes agricultural practices and social interaction.
05
Local stone is used for foundations, ensuring environmental compatibility and site specificity.
The Urban Countryside project is an architectural initiative focused on addressing the housing shortages faced in rural China due to urban migration. The design seeks to create a sustainable and cohesive community that respects traditional agricultural lifestyles while accommodating modern living needs. The project incorporates a modular approach to housing, allowing for flexibility in the arrangement of living spaces that promote social connectivity among residents.

The overarching concept is rooted in the integration of agricultural practices with residential living, facilitating an environment where communal spaces foster interactions and contribute to economic activities. By drawing inspiration from traditional courtyard layouts, the design creates a sense of place that is both familiar and functional, facilitating a seamless transition for residents accustomed to rural life.

Unique Design Approaches
The Urban Countryside stands apart from conventional housing developments through its innovative spatial organization driven by the swastika layout. This design principle encourages a spatial dialectic where public and private domains coexist in carefully delineated areas. Civic spaces are centrally located, supporting community gatherings, agricultural activities, and shared facilities, enhancing social interaction among inhabitants.

The use of modular configurations allows for a personalized living experience, enabling households to scale their spaces based on changing needs. This adaptable design minimizes disruption while maximizing utility, promoting a sustainable approach to residential architecture. Additionally, the project emphasizes local material use, which not only roots the design in its context but also contributes to its sustainability goals.

Integration of Functionality and Aesthetics
The functional aspects of the Urban Countryside project are critical to its success. The design incorporates distinct zoning for private, semi-public, and public spaces, effectively balancing introspection with community engagement. Each housing unit is designed to be adaptable, enabling transformations to accommodate various family sizes or lifestyles without compromising the overall architectural integrity.

Moreover, the architectural aesthetics harmonize with the natural landscape, utilizing materials such as local stone and wood to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. These choices emphasize a connection to the site and resonate with the project's commitment to sustainability. The open spaces promote agricultural practices, encouraging residents to engage in both personal and community gardening efforts, reinforcing the agricultural roots of the area.

For a comprehensive understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and design features of the Urban Countryside project, readers are encouraged to explore the full presentation of the project. Dive deeper into the architectural ideas and unique design elements that make this project a noteworthy contribution to modern rural architecture.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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