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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Concrete in Community-Centric Housing Solution

Authors:
Ruth Elita Prenzler, Sarah Camille Wilder, Ruth Prenzler, Sarah Wilder, Brian ernest Holland
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Concrete in Community-Centric Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and recycled concrete, the design integrates adaptable housing units within a communal framework aimed at addressing affordability and fostering community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates recycled concrete as the primary structural material to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and design flexibility.
04
Adopts a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the units.
05
Includes communal gardens and landscaped pathways to foster community interaction and ecological awareness.
The Cluster Housing project in Los Angeles addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing while promoting community engagement among residents. Set against a backdrop of escalating homelessness rates, this architectural design embodies a solution-oriented approach that balances individual privacy with communal living. The project integrates various housing units clustered around shared green spaces, facilitating interaction without compromising residents' personal space.

Design Approach and Spatial Configuration

A key aspect of the project is its modular layout, characterized by interconnected clusters of housing units. Each cluster is thoughtfully organized around communal areas that serve as gathering points, fostering a sense of community. This spatial configuration not only optimizes land use but also promotes social interaction among residents, which is essential for building community trust and support networks. The inclusion of both single-story and multi-story units caters to diverse household sizes and fosters an inclusive living environment.

Material Selection and Sustainability

The design emphasizes sustainability through careful material selection. Recycled concrete forms the structural backbone, highlighting an environmentally conscious approach. Facades utilize wood paneling, contributing to a warm aesthetic while minimizing the carbon footprint. Green roofs enhance biodiversity and mitigate urban heat, a vital consideration in densely populated areas. Low-VOC paints are employed throughout the interiors, ensuring healthier living conditions for residents. This commitment to sustainable materiality plays a critical role in the project’s overall ecological footprint.

Architectural Innovation and Community Focus

What distinguishes the Cluster Housing project is its commitment to social equity. The design embodies a responsive approach to California’s housing regulations, particularly SB 9, facilitating the establishment of compact, affordable housing that aligns with the needs of low-income families. The incorporation of landscaped pathways, community gardens, and recreational spaces promotes environmental stewardship while enhancing residents' quality of life. This project challenges traditional housing models by integrating shared spaces into the design, thereby nurturing a more cohesive community environment.

For those interested in a comprehensive understanding of this architectural endeavor, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide deeper insights into the innovative and practical approaches taken in this project.
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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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