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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Red Brick Create Versatile Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
Ana Rolim, Larissa Falavigna, André Figueiredo, Brenda Ciríaco
Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Red Brick Create Versatile Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and prefabricated red brick, the design fosters a harmonious blend of sustainability and connectivity, creating versatile urban living environments that encourage community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing both aesthetics and fire resistance.
02
Prefabricated red brick panels streamline construction and provide thermal efficiency.
03
Community gardens are integrated into the layout, promoting biodiversity and social interaction.
04
Large glass openings maximize natural light and create visual connections with the surrounding environment.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for flexible interior spaces that adapt to various living configurations.
The architectural project "London Calling" reflects a thoughtful response to the diverse and dynamic context of London, England. Aiming to create an inclusive urban environment, the design focuses on smaller-scale, empathetic structures rather than monumental edifices. This approach encourages community engagement and a sense of belonging, integrating various housing types that cater to different living styles and family configurations. The project represents a deliberate attempt to foster connectivity and interaction, providing a model for practical urban living that respects both individual and collective needs.

At the heart of this design is the idea of creating "non-monuments for the masses," which drives the project's mission to foster empathy and social integration. The layout consists of five distinct housing types: the Terraced House, the Bridge, the Courtyard, the Tower, and the Wheel. Each type has been envisioned to not only house residents but also to serve as a link between spaces and communities, promoting social interactions and addressing the nuanced requirements of urban life.

The Terraced House draws inspiration from historical London architecture, embodying a traditional yet modern interpretation of terraced living. These units feature stacked configurations that allow for shared outdoor spaces, enhancing community engagement through front and back courtyards. The Bridge acts as a connective element, integrating green spaces within the residential fabric and ensuring fluid movement throughout the project. This structure embodies the spirit of continuity and community, creating a seamless flow between public and private realms.

One of the project's focal points is the Courtyard, strategically designed to offer shared outdoor spaces that serve as venues for social gatherings, relaxation, and recreation. This element enhances neighborhood connections by providing a microcosm for community life, allowing residents to interact in a friendly, open setting. The Tower introduces a vertical living option, diversifying the housing mix and creating communal areas that foster a sense of neighborliness, while the Wheel offers a circular, innovative layout that emphasizes connection, both visually and physically.

The materials chosen for the project contribute significantly to its identity. Light steel post-and-beam construction supports structural flexibility, allowing interiors to be adaptable to changing needs. Pre-fabricated red brick-faced concrete panels ensure warmth and contextuality, affirming the architectural language while enhancing durability. Large glass openings are employed throughout the project to invite natural light and establish a visual connection with the surrounding environment, further bridging the gap between inside and outside.

Beyond structural ingenuity, the architectural design incorporates aspects of sustainability and ecological awareness. The integration of community gardens and green roofs serves not only as a visual amenity but also as a functional landscape that supports biodiversity and fosters environmental stewardship among residents. The architectural ideas present in this project advocate for efficient land use while respecting ecological systems, creating harmonized living environments.

This project’s unique design strategies focus on adaptability, community, and sustainability. By embracing physical models that enhance social gatherings and fostering designs that prioritize communal harmony, "London Calling" exemplifies a mature understanding of urban complexities. The project stands as a compelling architectural vision that recognizes the multifaceted needs of its inhabitants, setting a precedent for possible future developments in urban areas.

For readers interested in delving deeper into the architectural nuances of "London Calling," further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs is encouraged. Engaging with the details of this project can provide a richer understanding of its intent and implications for contemporary urban architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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