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Charred Wooden Shingles and Steppe Design Create Community Integration in Urban Residences

Authors:
Stephen Norman Barnecut, Maureen Helen Carrigy
Charred Wooden Shingles and Steppe Design Create Community Integration in Urban Residences

Project in-detail

Built with charred wooden shingles and a tiered form that echoes the surrounding landscape, the design facilitates community interaction while providing integrated residential and commercial spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used for sustainable weather resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure, allowing for unique interior spatial configurations.
03
Landscaped terraces create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to both structural integrity and energy efficiency.
05
Mixed-use spaces at ground level promote community interaction and accessibility.
The Joyce Hillside project, located in Vancouver, Canada, integrates residential and commercial spaces within its design, emphasizing harmony with the natural landscape. The architecture responds to the site’s topography through a stepped form that mirrors the hillside's contours. This design approach not only mitigates the visual impact of the structure, but also fosters seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments. The building serves as a community hub, promoting social interaction while fulfilling the functional demands of urban life.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable characteristic of the Joyce Hillside architecture is its emphasis on community-centric design. By incorporating retail spaces at the ground level, the project encourages neighborhood engagement, promoting a vibrant street life. This approach counters traditional residential development, where commercial elements are often segregated, thereby enhancing pedestrian accessibility and safety through "eyes on the street."

The use of a diverse material palette is another distinguishing feature of this project. The combination of concrete for structural integrity, wood for warmth and texture, glass for transparency, and metal for modern accents creates a cohesive exterior that resonates with the environment. This careful selection of materials plays a critical role in articulating the building's architectural identity, supporting both aesthetics and performance.

Spatial Configuration

The interior of Joyce Hillside is designed to enhance interaction among residents. Various housing typologies, from studios to three-bedroom units, accommodate different demographic groups, ensuring inclusiveness. The open-plan layouts promote flexibility, while individual terraces and balconies extend living spaces outdoors, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

Circulation within the building is strategically planned, with ample pathways connecting residential and communal areas. The integration of landscaped spaces and pedestrian routes naturalizes the environment, offering pleasant transitions and promoting a sense of community.

To explore the intricate architectural plans, sections, and designs further, engage with the project presentation for comprehensive insights into Joyce Hillside’s innovative architectural ideas and its contribution to urban living.
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
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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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