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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Beams Create Inviting Communal Living Environment

Authors:
Brandon Meinders, Maria Garcia reyna, Natalie Fox
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Beams Create Inviting Communal Living Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design fosters a vibrant communal living space that prioritizes social interaction and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a central boulevard to promote social interaction among residents.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles as a sustainable exterior finish for durability.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and warmth.
04
Includes landscaped gardens enhancing biodiversity and recreational spaces.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
The “Bridge the Divide” project is an architectural design that emphasizes community interaction and sustainable living in an urban context. The primary function of this project is to provide a residential environment that supports social engagement while integrating nature into the urban fabric. The design addresses the need for both private recreational spaces and communal areas that foster connection among residents.

Central to the design is the careful organization of the architectural layout, which features two distinct masses divided by a central boulevard. This layout allows for both privacy in residential units and communal interaction in shared spaces. The residence includes individual living spaces, work areas, and inviting gardens, all intended to encourage various forms of social gatherings. The choice of materials, including wooden structures, stucco walls, and expansive glass areas, illustrates a commitment to durability and aesthetic appeal, enhancing both functionality and visual coherence.

Design Approaches and Community-Centric Features

What sets this project apart from conventional residential developments is its community-centric approach. It is designed not merely as a housing solution but as a hub for interaction. Shared kitchens and lounges create environments conducive to community building. Furthermore, the incorporation of green roofs establishes a connection to nature, offering both functional benefits—like stormwater management—and recreational opportunities for residents. The thoughtful integration of ample landscaping and communal spaces directly supports the project’s mission of bridging social divides.

Architectural Layout and Connectivity

The architectural layout emphasizes connectivity, with a central boulevard acting as the core of social interaction among residents. This circulatory element facilitates movement and access to community amenities while encouraging organic interactions. The vertical circulation within the buildings has been thoughtfully planned to maximize accessibility and ensure residents can navigate the space with ease. Each design aspect is harmonized to promote a sense of belonging, making the project a functional and inviting part of the urban landscape.

The “Bridge the Divide” project effectively exemplifies how contemporary architecture can marry form and function with the aim of enhancing community engagement. For more insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs that inform this project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for a deeper understanding.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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