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Charred Wooden Shingles and Open Community Patios in Sustainable Urban Housing

Authors:
Sergei Zhuromskii, Olga Zhuromskaia
Charred Wooden Shingles and Open Community Patios in Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and community-oriented patios, the design promotes sustainable living in an urban context while offering affordable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community patios designed to enhance resident interaction and outdoor activities.
02
Faceted roofs facilitate effective water drainage and energy efficiency.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Flexible interior layouts adapt to changing household needs over time.
05
Strategic placement of large windows maximizes natural light in all units.

The Sydney Affordable Housing Project is a notable architectural initiative designed to address the urgent need for accessible housing within urban environments. Focused on integrating sustainability with community-centric values, the project aims to create high-quality living spaces that cater to diverse resident needs. Through thoughtful design and the use of locally sourced materials, this project seeks to enhance the urban fabric of Sydney while ensuring affordability.

The project encompasses a series of residential units organized to facilitate community interaction and social cohesion. These units are characterized by adaptable layouts that can accommodate changing household sizes and needs over time. The architectural approach integrates well with its surroundings, promoting a sense of place while addressing the functional requirements of affordable housing.

Innovative Design Approaches
This project stands apart from other housing developments through its emphasis on community-oriented design principles. A key feature is the incorporation of **community patios,** which serve as social hubs for residents, encouraging interaction and outdoor activities. These spaces enhance the overall living experience, allowing for a sense of belonging among residents.

Another distinguishing aspect of the project is the use of **faceted roofs and walls,** which not only contribute to an engaging aesthetic but also aid in effective water drainage and energy efficiency. Large windows are strategically placed throughout the design to maximize natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and improving the interior ambiance.

The choice of materials further enhances the project's architectural intent. The use of **Oriented Strand Board (OSB)** and **timber** for structural components provides both durability and a warm, inviting character to the buildings. **Concrete** is employed in foundational elements, ensuring stability and resilience. These materials were selected to minimize the environmental impact while maintaining a high standard of construction quality.

Focus on Functionality and Flexibility
Each residential unit is designed with flexibility in mind. Open floor layouts allow for multifunctional spaces that accommodate various living arrangements. Kitchens are integrated into the living areas to promote interaction, while bedrooms are positioned to maintain privacy. The design encourages residents to personalize their spaces, further fostering a sense of ownership and community.

The overall urban integration of the project responds to existing infrastructure, incorporating pedestrian pathways and access points that promote walkability. This enhances connectivity within the neighborhood, aligning with contemporary urban design principles.

For those interested in a comprehensive understanding of this housing initiative, we encourage further exploration of the project presentation. Detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs offer valuable insights into the unique architectural ideas and objectives behind this significant project.

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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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