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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community-Centric Housing Development

Authors:
Woojeong Lee, Yewon Cho
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community-Centric Housing Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and an innovative natural ventilation system, this community-focused housing development enhances senior living through adaptable spaces that promote social interaction and independence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
A roof garden integrates biodiversity and community gardening opportunities.
03
Natural ventilation methods reduce energy consumption and improve air quality.
04
Flexible unit designs cater to changing resident needs and living arrangements.
05
Proximity to public transport facilitates accessibility to essential services and amenities.

## Project Overview

Re-Structured Housing is located in downtown Seoul, South Korea, and focuses on reimagining living spaces for the elderly. The design strategically utilizes the city's existing infrastructure, particularly its robust public transport system, to ensure residents have easy access to amenities and social activities. The aim is to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens by fostering community interaction and maintaining independence.

## Spatial Configuration

The architectural strategy emphasizes the importance of spatial design in promoting social engagement and minimizing feelings of isolation among seniors. The project features a variety of housing configurations tailored to accommodate single-person households, multi-family residences, and communal living arrangements. The first floor functions as a community hub, integrating spaces such as a job support center, café, and convenience store to encourage social interaction. Upper levels include amenities such as a rooftop garden, multipurpose rooms, and fitness centers designed to support diverse health and leisure needs, ultimately facilitating connections among residents.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Materials have been selected to balance aesthetic appeal with functional performance. Brick is utilized for its strength and thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency. Oversized windows made of glass maximize daylighting while providing views of the surrounding environment. Wooden finishes are incorporated into interiors to create a welcoming atmosphere, combating the clinical feel often associated with institutional spaces. Sustainability features include natural ventilation strategies that promote effective air circulation and integrated solar panels to enhance energy efficiency. The rooftop garden acts as both a recreational space and a natural thermal regulator, further supporting the project's sustainable design principles.

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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

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