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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Create a Sustainable Community in London

Authors:
Graham Crist, Nicola Garrod, Fara Mosavari, Taylor Wiley
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials Create a Sustainable Community in London

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles and strategically repurposed materials, the design fosters vibrant communal living while tackling housing affordability in Greater London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features an autonomous bus system designed to seamlessly connect residents to central London.
02
Incorporates green roofs and communal gardens to promote biodiversity and community engagement.
03
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes space and enhances natural light.
04
Employs recycled materials alongside charred wooden shingles for improved sustainability.
05
Each dwelling promotes flexible layouts to accommodate diverse lifestyles and family structures.
This architectural project presents a thought-provoking approach to addressing the pressing issue of housing affordability in Greater London. By proposing a village-style community with a focus on sustainability and social interaction, the design reflects a nuanced understanding of contemporary urban living challenges. The project serves a dual function: it provides affordable housing while fostering a sense of community among residents in a densely populated area.

At its core, the project symbolizes a shift in housing design, moving beyond traditional concepts to embrace a communal lifestyle. The layout is meticulously planned, ensuring that each of the 339 housing units is strategically placed to maximize space and facilitate easy movement within the village. The overall design leans heavily on the principle of compactness, with each dwelling averaging 35 square meters in footprint while providing ample living space and private areas that encourage personal expression.

The architectural elements within the project illustrate a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics. The dwellings are designed as freehold units to empower residents, allowing them to engage with their living environments actively. This aspect highlights the importance of ownership in the context of creating a true community. The choice of materials also reflects a commitment to sustainability without sacrificing modern living standards. For example, the use of reinforced concrete and steel not only ensures structural integrity but also supports energy efficiency through well-insulated building designs.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the village concept, particularly in how public and private life is balanced. Communal spaces have been seamlessly integrated into the layout, fostering connectivity among residents while providing resources for recreation and collaboration. The project incorporates landscaped areas, which enhance biodiversity and create inviting places for social gatherings. This attention to community-centric design encourages residents to engage with one another, transforming mere proximity into a lively neighborhood.

Additionally, the concept includes a well-thought-out transportation solution to address the challenges of commuting in Greater London. The implementation of an autonomous bus system is a forward-looking design feature ensuring residents remain connected to the urban core without relying on private vehicles. This initiative reduces traffic and enhances the overall livability of the village, promoting a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere within.

The architectural vision extends beyond mere aesthetics; it emphasizes ecological responsibility through the integration of green roofs, communal gardens, and the use of sustainable materials. Together, these elements contribute to reducing the village's ecological footprint while providing beneficial growing spaces for residents interested in gardening and food production.

Overall, this architectural project transcends traditional housing solutions by merging community living with environmental stewardship in an urban context. This integration of architecture, design, and community involvement embodies what contemporary housing should strive for. For those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of this innovative project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas can provide valuable insights into the conceptual and practical aspects of this community-oriented approach.
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Enter an open architecture
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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