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Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Steel Form Adaptive Community Housing

Author:
Patrick Crowe
Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Steel Form Adaptive Community Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and recycled steel, the design reimagines community living through adaptable spaces that prioritize environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced fire resistance and thermal performance.
02
Incorporates recycled steel for structural components, promoting sustainability.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels to optimize construction efficiency and insulation.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to maximize interior volume and natural light.
05
Integrates community gardens within the architecture to foster social interaction.
The architectural project titled "Participating in the Process: Beyond Isolation" focuses on the adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings, aiming to promote community interaction and sustainable living solutions. Through a participatory design approach, this project seeks to create inclusive residential environments that foster strong social ties among diverse demographics.

Unique Design Strategies in Participatory Architecture

This project illustrates several unique design strategies that set it apart from conventional residential developments. The emphasis on participatory design is a fundamental aspect, where stakeholders, potential residents, and local experts collaborate throughout the design process. This engagement ensures that the project responds to the actual needs and aspirations of its inhabitants, creating a sense of ownership and belonging.

Moreover, the integration of mixed-use facilities is a defining feature. By combining residential units with communal spaces such as gardens, shared workshops, and collaborative areas, the design encourages social interactions while ensuring that various age groups and lifestyles coexist seamlessly. The layout promotes flexible living environments, allowing for adaptability in unit configurations to meet the changing needs of the community.

Environmental Sustainability and Material Selection

The focus on environmental sustainability resonates through the project's choice of materials and its response to local conditions. Low-carbon and durable materials such as recycled steel and sustainably sourced wood contribute to a reduced ecological footprint while ensuring structural integrity. The incorporation of green roofs enhances biodiversity and contributes to improved insulation, aligning with contemporary architectural practices aimed at efficiency and environmental responsibility.

The building design incorporates energy-efficient glazing systems that optimize natural light, fostering a healthier indoor environment while minimizing energy consumption. Overall, this commitment to sustainable practices is vital to the project's ethos and reflects a growing awareness of architectural responsibility towards environmental issues.

Exploring Architectural Plans and Designs

To appreciate the thoroughness of this architectural project, reviewing architectural plans, sections, and design details is essential. The thoughtful layout and attention to communal spaces distinctly illustrate the project's objectives in promoting sociability and sustainability. Architectural sections reveal how the design strategically employs vertical connections, facilitating access to shared areas that encourage interactions among residents.

The architectural ideas presented throughout this project redefine traditional residential concepts, showcasing the potential of adaptive reuse when thoughtfully integrated with community-focused design. For a more in-depth understanding of this project’s implications and innovations, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further, paying particular attention to the architectural designs and plans that encapsulate the essence of this forward-thinking initiative.
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Enter an open architecture
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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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