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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
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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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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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