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Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Timber Create Community-Centric High-Rise in Essen

Authors:
Omar El remissy, Ahmed Gado
Charred Wooden Shingles and Sustainable Timber Create Community-Centric High-Rise in Essen

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and sustainable timber, the high-rise design fosters community engagement and connectivity through its innovative public plaza and mixed-use spaces in Essen.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates a public plaza that promotes community interactions and activities.
04
Adopts a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and views.
05
Includes flexible residential layouts catering to diverse lifestyles and needs.

The project involves the design of two high-rise buildings located in Essen, Germany, aimed at reinterpreting urban dwellings within a contemporary context. Characterized by a balanced integration of residential and commercial spaces, the architectural design reflects a commitment to promoting community interactions and social sustainability. The structures are primarily vertical, enhancing the skyline while offering unique accommodations for both living and social engagement.

The overall conceptual framework revolves around verticality and connectivity, where height symbolizes not only architectural ambition but also aspirations for community enhancement. The design ensures the adjacency of residential units to public functions, fostering a sense of community and shared spaces. The project emphasizes the importance of sustainable living, ensuring that the high-rise buildings serve as models for urban growth that prioritize ecological considerations without compromising on modern living standards.

Innovative Design Strategies

The project's most distinctive feature is the configuration of the two towers, which are designed with intentional shifts to create dynamic visual and functional experiences. This staggered height allows natural light penetration and maximizes views for residents while maintaining efficient structural integrity. The design prioritizes outdoor spaces, integrating balconies and terraces lush with greenery, allowing for biophilic connections that enhance residents' quality of life.

Moreover, the central plaza serves as a communal hub, designed to facilitate social interactions amongst residents and the larger community. Incorporating flexible space encourages various activities, from markets to public gatherings, reinforcing the architectural philosophy of inclusivity and social engagement. Sustainable practices, such as green roofs and rainwater collection systems, are woven into the building's fabric, exemplifying a contemporary approach to urban architecture that addresses environmental concerns.

Integrated Functionality and Layout

The architectural layout reflects a strategic approach to urban density, balancing functional needs with livability. The ground floor is dedicated to commercial spaces, designed to encourage foot traffic and provide necessary amenities for residents, thus nurturing a vibrant neighborhood. The residential units above feature adaptable floor plans that cater to diverse lifestyles, underscoring the flexibility sought in modern housing.

The materials selected for the construction, including steel, glass, concrete, and sustainable timber, play a critical role in the project's execution. Steel and concrete ensure structural reliability, while glass elements promote transparency and seamlessness between indoor and outdoor environments. Sustainable timber accents contribute warmth, enhancing the building's aesthetic while adhering to sustainable construction practices.

To gain deeper insights into this architectural endeavor, readers are encouraged to explore related elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas, which illustrate the project's full scope and innovative nature.

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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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