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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Elements in Flexible Urban Housing Solutions

Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Elements in Flexible Urban Housing Solutions
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and prefabricated elements, this urban housing solution offers adaptable living spaces designed to seamlessly integrate with the demands of a modern lifestyle.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and reduced waste.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates passive ventilation systems for improved air quality and energy efficiency.
05
Includes adaptable work-life pods that promote flexible living environments.

### Overview

The PO_CO project aims to address the urgent challenges associated with urban housing, particularly in light of increasing population pressures and socioeconomic shifts. With urban areas anticipated to house a significant portion of the global population by 2050, this initiative is a proactive response to the rising demands for affordable, flexible, and sustainable living environments, influenced heavily by the shifts in lifestyle brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The design incorporates a modular layout that promotes interaction while ensuring privacy, enabling residents to adapt their living spaces for both personal and professional use. Thoughtful arrangements of living areas, kitchens, and workspaces enhance natural light and ventilation, which are essential for maintaining comfort in compact urban environments. A notable design feature is the “work-life pod,” which allows for spatial separation without the constraints of traditional walls, fostering adaptability in the home office setting. The strategic incorporation of transparent and semi-transparent materials enhances openness, encouraging a sense of community while preserving individual privacy.

### Sustainable Practices and Materiality

Sustainability is integral to the project's concept, with a focus on using eco-friendly materials throughout the structure. Durable concrete provides necessary thermal mass, while prefabricated cladding panels facilitate efficient assembly and minimize waste. Interior finishing utilizes engineered wood, balancing aesthetics with sustainability. Energy-efficient systems, including solar panels, support renewable energy use, while passive design strategies optimize cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical cooling systems. Rainwater harvesting capabilities further contribute to the project's holistic approach to environmental stewardship. These design elements not only prioritize environmental concerns but also enhance the overall well-being of occupants through improved air quality and access to natural light.

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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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Competition organisers

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.

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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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