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Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Frames Redefine Urban Community Living

Authors:
Ryan Crooks, Jude Leblanc
Charred Wooden Shingles and Steel Frames Redefine Urban Community Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and steel frames, the design creates a cohesive community space, fostering interaction among residents while maximizing energy efficiency and natural light in urban living environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Green roofs integrate biodiversity and increase energy performance.
05
Shared community spaces encourage social interaction among residents.
The project under analysis is a contemporary residential design that combines multi-family units with community-focused living spaces. It occupies a strategically positioned site within a neighborhood, aiming to address the increasing demand for urban housing while fostering a sense of community among residents. The architecture integrates various aspects of modern living, ensuring that functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics are balanced throughout the design.

Sustainable Design Integration
This project showcases innovative design approaches aimed at environmental sustainability. The architectural design incorporates green building practices, such as energy-efficient systems and materials. Natural ventilation strategies enhance indoor air quality and thermal comfort, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. The inclusion of green roofs not only provides insulation benefits but also integrates natural elements into the urban environment, catering to biodiversity and enhancing aesthetic quality.

The project features mixed-use areas that promote interaction among residents. Shared amenities such as gardens, playgrounds, and communal gathering spaces challenge traditional residential designs that often isolate living units. The flexibility in apartment layouts allows a diverse demographic to inhabit the space, supporting singles, families, and older adults. This inclusivity is achieved through innovative unit configurations that enable easy reconfiguration based on the occupants' needs.

Architectural Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations
Material selection plays a crucial role in the overall architectural expression of the project. Concrete forms the primary structure, providing durability and strength, while extensive use of glass offers transparency and connectivity to the external environment. Aluminum elements are used in window frames for modern appeal and longevity. Wood accents in selective areas add warmth to the apartments, enhancing the overall living experience.

The facade features a balance of voids and solids, creating an engaging visual rhythm while maintaining practical functions such as shading and privacy. This careful consideration of the design allows for natural light penetration while minimizing solar gain, enhancing the energy performance of the building. Furthermore, the incorporation of sunshade devices reflects a proactive approach to climate adaptation, illustrating a commitment to responsive architectural practices.

For those interested in exploring this project further, more specific architectural plans, sections, and design ideas are available for review. These documents provide in-depth insights into the structural and aesthetic decisions made throughout the project's development.
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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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