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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Concrete Panels in Eco-Friendly Urban Housing

Authors:
Sobhan Parhoodeh, Yekta Barati, Marjan Azhdari
Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Concrete Panels in Eco-Friendly Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and prefabricated concrete panels, the design offers a sustainable and adaptable housing solution that integrates seamlessly into urban environments while prioritizing community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for rapid construction and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space and structural integrity.
04
Promotes community interaction through integrated outdoor gathering spaces.
05
Employs rainwater harvesting systems to support eco-friendly living practices.
The Golden Cube is an architectural project designed to address the increasing demand for affordable housing in urban settings, specifically in Toronto, Canada. This modular housing solution embodies a contemporary approach to residential design, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and community cohesion. The project aims to provide comfortable living conditions while being economically accessible, showcasing a commitment to innovative architectural methodology.

Modular Design Approach

At its core, the Golden Cube capitalizes on modular construction techniques, allowing for rapid assembly and flexibility in placement across various urban sites. This method facilitates cost reduction and construction speed, enabling quicker responses to housing shortages. Each cube, while uniform in shape, can be customized to fit different contextual demands, ensuring versatile applications in diverse neighborhoods. The flexibility of module placement allows the design to adapt to site-specific conditions, making it relevant for a range of locations across the city.

Sustainability Initiatives

A critical aspect of the Golden Cube is its focus on sustainability. The project integrates numerous environmentally friendly features aimed at reducing energy consumption and resource waste. It utilizes prefabricated concrete panels, which not only contribute to durability but also minimize construction waste. The inclusion of large, energy-efficient windows maximizes natural lighting, further decreasing energy usage. Additionally, the incorporation of green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems represents a proactive approach to managing urban ecosystems and ensuring sustainable water practices.

Community Orientation and Social Spaces

The Golden Cube's design places a strong emphasis on fostering community interaction through thoughtfully designed social spaces. Public and semi-public areas are strategically integrated into the overall layout to encourage resident engagement. These spaces aim to support social cohesion among residents, fostering a sense of belonging within the community. By providing outdoor areas for recreation and gathering, the project addresses not only the individual needs of residents but also enhances collective living experiences.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of the Golden Cube project, it is recommended to review the architectural plans and sections. These documents will offer valuable insights into the spatial organization, material choices, and detailed architectural designs that collectively define the project's innovative approach to affordable housing. By examining these elements, readers can better appreciate the thoughtful architectural ideas that contribute to the unique character of the Golden Cube.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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