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Charred Wooden Shingles and Red Brick Create Integrated Community Living in Urban Setting

Author:
Anders grivi Norman
Charred Wooden Shingles and Red Brick Create Integrated Community Living in Urban Setting

Project in-detail

With a dynamic interplay of charred wooden shingles and red brick, this innovative community living solution challenges conventional urban design while fostering connection and sustainability within its shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to optimize structural stability while promoting sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and creates visually engaging rooftop profiles.
04
Community spaces are strategically integrated to encourage social interaction among residents.
05
The use of red brick connects the project to local architectural heritage while ensuring durability.
The architectural design project presented focuses on creating innovative housing solutions, specifically addressing the growing concerns of livability in urban settings such as London. This project represents a thoughtful approach to communal living, emphasizing the importance of social interaction while also respecting the need for individual privacy. Functionally, the project aims to provide affordable living spaces that cater to a diverse demographic, particularly targeting individuals and families who seek a sense of community without sacrificing personal space.

At its core, the project integrates several key components that highlight its unique design philosophy. The layout features a combination of shared living areas and private dwellings, facilitating interpersonal connections among residents. Shared spaces, which include common lounges, kitchens, and recreational areas, are strategically positioned to promote engagement and foster community spirit. This arrangement encourages residents to come together, share resources, and participate in communal activities, thus enhancing social cohesion.

The architectural design incorporates flexibility in its units, allowing them to adapt to varying household sizes and configurations. This adaptability is particularly relevant in contemporary urban life, where lifestyle needs often shift over time. The project takes into account these changing dynamics by offering spaces that can be modified easily, ensuring that they remain relevant and functional for years to come.

Another important characteristic of this design is its emphasis on materiality. The project utilizes a combination of red brick, concrete, glass, and metal accents, chosen for their durability and aesthetic qualities. The use of red brick connects the structure to London’s architectural heritage, providing a sense of place and continuity. Glass elements enhance the design by allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Concrete serves structural purposes while also fostering robust communal spaces where residents can gather comfortably.

The integration of green spaces within the architectural project underscores its commitment to sustainability. These outdoor areas not only serve as recreational zones but also promote biodiversity and encourage residents to engage with nature. Landscaped gardens, terraces, and parks are thoughtfully designed to be accessible from various points within the community, allowing residents to enjoy the outdoors and thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Moreover, the design of public pathways plays a critical role in connecting the residential areas to the surrounding urban environment. These routes are designed to encourage foot traffic and create a seamless transition between the project and the larger community. By incorporating elements that promote accessibility, the project reinforces the idea that urban living should be inclusive and integrated with the city’s amenities.

The approach taken in this architectural design sets it apart from traditional housing projects. It seeks to redefine what communal living can entail by prioritizing social interactions and shared experiences without compromising individual privacy. The project facilitates a lifestyle that values togetherness while offering the flexibility needed for varying personal circumstances.

For those interested in exploring this architectural project further, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into how these ideas are expressed visually and conceptually. This project not only addresses contemporary housing challenges but also reimagines what it means to live in a community, making it a relevant and thoughtful addition to the urban fabric of London.
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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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