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Charred Wooden Shingles and Permeable Surfaces Defining a Mixed-Use Waterfront Development

Author:
Mor Friedberg
Charred Wooden Shingles and Permeable Surfaces Defining a Mixed-Use Waterfront Development

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and innovative permeable surfaces, the design enhances urban ecology while creating a vibrant mixed-use waterfront that promotes community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and enhance aesthetic integration with the landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels facilitate rapid construction and reduce carbon footprint.
03
Permeable paving systems manage stormwater effectively while supporting local vegetation.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the spaces.
05
Flexible marketplace areas can accommodate diverse community events and activities.
The architectural design project at New Harbour revitalizes an underutilized waterfront area through a comprehensive urban regeneration approach. This initiative aims to transform the location into a dynamic mixed-use environment that fosters community interaction, economic activity, and cultural vibrancy. By integrating diverse public and private sectors, the project enhances connectivity to the waterfront while respecting the natural landscape.

Urban Integration and Spatial Organization

A key element of the design is the spatial organization of the site into clearly defined zones, including public spaces, commercial areas, and residential units. The public spaces feature open plazas and parks that encourage social interaction and recreational activities. The commercial areas are designed to support local businesses and provide a marketplace for artisanal products. Housing units aim to accommodate various socio-economic demographics, reflecting the diversity of the community.

The project employs a network of pedestrian-friendly pathways, enhancing accessibility throughout the site. Interstitial spaces between buildings provide opportunities for spontaneous interactions among users. This deliberate focus on pedestrian movement fosters a sense of community and encourages a vibrant urban lifestyle.

Materials and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the project’s design philosophy. Key materials include concrete for structural resiliency, glass for visual connectivity, and wood for warmth and organic presence in outdoor settings. Steel framing is utilized to provide structural support while allowing for architectural flexibility, and brick is incorporated into facades to bridge the area’s historical context with contemporary design.

Sustainability is central to the project’s approach, focusing on passive solar design principles to optimize natural light usage and reduce energy consumption. Water management systems, including rainwater harvesting and permeable surfaces, address stormwater runoff effectively. By integrating green spaces and establishing ecological corridors, the design contributes to local biodiversity and promotes a healthy urban environment.

Distinctive Design Features

The New Harbour project distinguishes itself through several unique design features. The innovative marketplace integrates flexible spaces that accommodate various community events, fostering local culture and economic resilience. The emphasis on landscaping creates aesthetic appeal while providing functional outdoor areas that enhance the user experience.

Architectural detailing considers the relationship between structures and their environment, providing opportunities for visual connections and promoting a sense of openness. Additionally, the architectural approach balances modern lines with organic forms inspired by the local landscape, ensuring that the design is both contemporary and contextually relevant.

The architectural designs, sections, and comprehensive planning details of the New Harbour project encapsulate a forward-thinking approach to urban living. Readers interested in gaining deeper insights into this project are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas presented in the project documentation. This examination will offer valuable perspectives on how thoughtful design can foster community well-being and enhance urban spaces.
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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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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