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Charred Wooden Shingles and Mixed-Use Living Redefine Urban Connectivity in Paris

Authors:
Adam Johnson, Taro Matsuno
Charred Wooden Shingles and Mixed-Use Living Redefine Urban Connectivity in Paris

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and a commitment to sustainable design, the development enhances urban living through a thoughtfully integrated mixed-use community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance the building's durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes solar gain and natural light.
04
Public plazas are integrated with residential units to foster community engagement.
05
Adaptive reuse principles repurpose existing urban structures for new functions.
The architectural design project is situated in Paris' 8th arrondissement, an area known for its historical and cultural significance. This project addresses the pressing need for affordable housing while emphasizing community interaction and social equity. It challenges existing urban structures, redefining how public and private spaces coexist within the city. Through thoughtful design, it seeks to revitalize a portion of urban space that has often prioritized wealth over community needs.

Community and Public Space Integration

A key aspect of this project is its integration of communal spaces alongside residential units. The design employs a variety of spatial configurations, including blocks, plazas, and pathways, each serving distinct functions while collectively fostering neighborhood connectivity. The blocks are designed to accommodate a mix of housing types, promoting diversity among residents. Public plazas act as gathering points, designed to enhance social interaction and civic engagement. The innovative use of pathways strategically links various spaces, encouraging pedestrian movement and reducing reliance on vehicular traffic.

The architecture also incorporates elements symbolizing historical and cultural narratives. The design reflects local heritage, intertwining modernity with the essence of Parisian history. This sensitivity to context distinguishes the project, as it brings together the old and new in a cohesive urban fabric.

Sustainable Materiality and Construction Techniques

Materiality plays a crucial role in this architectural project, as it employs a palette focused on sustainability and community engagement. Concrete is used for its structural benefits, while steel elements provide both durability and flexibility in design. Glass facades offer transparency, facilitating connections between interior spaces and the surrounding environment. The use of wood in select areas enhances the tactile quality of interiors, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Unique to this project is its focus on adaptive reuse principles, allowing it to not only serve new functions but also retain the essence of the existing urban landscape. Scaffolding elements convey a narrative of construction and transformation, visually representing the ongoing evolution of urban space.

The project embodies a commitment to environmental sustainability, featuring green spaces that contribute to biodiversity and improve the urban microclimate. These design decisions reflect a broader consideration of ecological impacts, ensuring that the architecture complements its environment rather than competing with it.

Exploring Architectural Elements in Detail

For those interested in a detailed examination of the design, it is advisable to review the architectural plans and sections that illustrate the intricate layout and spatial organization. The architectural designs showcase how the interplay of form and function has been carefully orchestrated to support community objectives. This project represents a progressive approach to urban architecture, merging contemporary needs with traditional values.

Further exploration of the architectural ideas within this project will provide deeper insights into its implications for future urban developments. By understanding the specific design methodologies and spatial arrangements employed, readers can appreciate the project's potential influence on enhancing urban living conditions.
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Enter an open architecture
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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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