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Charred Wooden Shingles and Mass Timber Structure Reimagine Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Shiying Gao, Meichun Zhu, Lingxin Zhang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Mass Timber Structure Reimagine Urban Housing Solutions
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and mass timber construction, the design transforms an underutilized parking structure into adaptable residential units that prioritize community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mass timber construction to enhance structural efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a modular design that allows for flexible unit configurations catering to diverse family needs.
04
Integrates communal working spaces to foster collaboration among residents.
05
Employs large glass openings to maximize natural light and enhance connectivity to outdoor spaces.

The Parking Home architectural project is designed to address the critical housing shortage in urban environments, specifically in San Francisco, California. This project reimagines parking structures as adaptable residential units that can meet the diverse needs of the urban population. By repurposing existing spaces, the design aligns with sustainable practices and responds to contemporary housing demands, offering an innovative solution within the context of increasing urban density.

Modular Living Solutions

The primary concept of the Parking Home project revolves around modular architecture. The design comprises a series of prefabricated living units, allowing for efficient construction and flexibility. These modules can be combined in various configurations—cluster, landscaper, skyscraper, and fill-in types—facilitating a customized living experience for residents. The strategic arrangement of these units promotes community interaction while optimizing the use of available space. Each unit is designed for adaptability, accommodating different family sizes and lifestyles.

Sustainability and Materiality

A key aspect of the Parking Home project is its commitment to sustainable construction practices. The use of materials such as wood, concrete, glass, and metal panels emphasizes both durability and environmental consciousness. Wood serves as a primary material for the modular units, promoting a warm aesthetic while contributing to local sustainability efforts. Concrete provides structural stability, while large glass openings enhance natural light and connectivity to the outdoors. The incorporation of foldable shading devices further illustrates the project's energy-efficient strategies, minimizing heat gain and improving thermal comfort.

Community-Centric Design Approach

Central to this project is its focus on creating communal spaces that facilitate social interaction among residents. The design integrates communal working areas and shared amenities, appealing to the needs of contemporary urban dwellers who often work remotely. The inclusion of outdoor balconies and landscaped areas promotes a connection to nature, supporting the well-being of residents. This aspect not only enhances the quality of life but also establishes a sense of community within the urban framework.

The Parking Home project exemplifies a modern architectural response to pressing urban challenges. Its innovative approach to modular housing, sustainable material usage, and thoughtful communal spaces set it apart from traditional housing developments. For further insights into this project, including architectural plans and designs, interested readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation.

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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.

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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