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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Coastal Housing

Authors:
Azadeh Kazeranizadeh, Kiyana Khalili
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in Sustainable Coastal Housing
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and passive ventilation methods, this sustainable housing project enhances community interaction while accommodating diverse residential needs in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features passive ventilation systems utilizing strategically placed windcatchers.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Includes a central courtyard designed to foster communal activities and connections.
05
Employs prefabrication methods to streamline construction and minimize waste.

## Project Overview

Located in an urban setting, the Garden House project addresses challenges related to affordable housing through thoughtful design, community integration, and sustainability. The initiative aims to create living environments that not only fulfill housing needs but also foster social interactions among residents, thereby contributing positively to the surrounding neighborhood.

### Spatial Strategy

The spatial layout incorporates interconnected clusters of residential units, comprising one, two, and three-bedroom apartments designed to accommodate diverse family sizes. This arrangement cultivates privacy while promoting connectivity through shared communal areas, including a central courtyard that serves as the heart of community engagement. This semi-private space supports various activities and functions, encouraging meaningful interactions among occupants and reinforcing community ties.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

The choice of materials is integral to the project's sustainability objectives and aesthetic considerations. Timber studs provide a natural finish and structural integrity, while cultivated green elements integrated into the façade enhance natural ventilation and promote biodiversity. Durable pre-cast concrete is employed for structural components, alongside perforated metal sheets that manage light and ambience.

Sustainability is further emphasized through features such as green roofs, which assist in stormwater management and energy conservation, and passive heating and ventilation strategies that leverage natural airflow and solar exposure to minimize reliance on mechanical systems. Additionally, windcatchers are incorporated to facilitate passive cooling and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment while promoting energy efficiency.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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