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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Wood Create Flexible Living Spaces in Urban Context

Author:
Jarron Tham
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Wood Create Flexible Living Spaces in Urban Context

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and reclaimed wood, the design facilitates adaptable living solutions while respecting the historical context of urban London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design for maximizing natural light and space.
04
Includes modular units that allow for easy reconfiguration by residents.
05
Integrates communal areas that foster social interaction among residents.

The ALEXTENDRA project is a residential architectural design situated in London, aimed at addressing urban housing shortages while fostering community interaction and personal identity among residents. This project emphasizes adaptive reuse of historic structures and promotes modular living arrangements that cater to changing needs over time. The design integrates sustainable practices, reclaiming building materials to create functional, livable spaces that enhance the urban landscape.

Modular Living Units and Community Interaction

The ALEXTENDRA design incorporates modular housing units that allow for flexibility and adaptability, accommodating various family sizes and configurations. This modular approach promotes efficient use of space while giving residents the ability to modify their living environment according to their circumstances. The project also includes communal areas, such as shared kitchens, co-working spaces, and rooftop gardens, encouraging social interaction and fostering a sense of community among residents. These shared facilities are strategically placed to enhance accessibility and usability.

Sustainable Materiality and Historic Integration

A defining feature of the ALEXTENDRA project is its commitment to sustainability through material choices. The design utilizes reclaimed wood and steel framing, not just for their structural properties but also for their lower environmental impact. This focus on sustainable materials helps to minimize the carbon footprint of the construction while also ensuring the durability and longevity of the buildings. Additionally, the integration of historic structures within the project respects the cultural heritage of the area, creating a dialogue between the past and present.

Explore architectural plans and sections from the project presentation to gain further insights into the design's structural and aesthetic details. Understanding these architectural ideas and designs will provide a comprehensive overview of how ALEXTENDRA meets both the practical and emotional needs of urban residents, setting a benchmark for future developments in densely populated areas.

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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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