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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Plastic Create Engaging Urban Spaces

Authors:
Daniel Rodriguez, Luis Marenco, Allan Abrantes
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Plastic Create Engaging Urban Spaces

Project in-detail

Recycled plastic panels and charred wooden shingles form an interactive structure that fosters community engagement and sustainable urban living in downtown Oslo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled plastic panels are used for enhanced sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and protection against weathering.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes structural stability while allowing for flexible interior spaces.
04
An integrated rainwater harvesting system supports eco-friendly water management practices.
05
Vertical terraces facilitate social interactions and maximize green space in an urban setting.

## Overview

The Light Roast project operates within the metropolitan contexts of Oslo, Norway, and Copenhagen, Denmark, focusing on the interactive experiences of individuals in urban environments. The initiative aims to analyze and enhance how users navigate these spaces through contemporary materials and an understanding of public engagement. By leveraging the unique characteristics of both cities, the project seeks to redefine the relationship between architecture and urban life.

### Urban Context and Engagement

Oslo is prominently recognized for its emphasis on sustainable urban livability, making it a particularly relevant setting for exploring green integration amidst urban density. The design reflects Oslo's environmental ethos while fostering a dialogue between architecture and nature. In contrast, Copenhagen exemplifies human-centered urban design, where public spaces prioritize interaction and accessibility. The project aspires to deepen the understanding of user dynamics in these urban frameworks, contributing to a refined approach to public architectural interactions.

### Material Innovation and Sustainability

The project employs a selection of innovative materials to reinforce its sustainability objectives and architectural integrity. Recycled plastic panels are incorporated to enhance structural viability while promoting eco-friendliness. A shipping container framework serves as the foundational support of the structure, providing both robustness and a distinctive aesthetic. The use of steel rods and structural steel minimizes environmental impact due to their strength and durability. Plywood is strategically selected for its lightweight qualities in flooring and stair systems, while glass panels are used extensively to maximize natural light and create a visual connection with the bustling urban landscape.

### Architectural Elements and Functional Design

Key architectural elements are designed to enhance user experience and promote engagement. The structure emphasizes vertical circulation, featuring a staircase that spirals upward to provide varied perspectives of the surroundings. Transparency is prioritized through strategically placed glass elements, enabling natural light inflow and fostering an open relationship between interior spaces and the city outside. Communal terraces and balconies are incorporated to facilitate social interaction, offering spaces for retreat and engagement amid the urban atmosphere. Additionally, a water collection system is integrated into the design to manage rainwater for reuse, aligning with the project's sustainability goals and enhancing its ecological responsibility.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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