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Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Panels Reshape Urban Living in Affordable Housing

Authors:
Yang Dai, Sarah Hayes, Scott Axel, Ariel Vazquez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Timber Panels Reshape Urban Living in Affordable Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design transforms urban living by providing a sustainable, community-focused housing solution in the heart of Hell's Kitchen.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and structural integrity.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that improve durability and provide a distinctive aesthetic.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize space and light within the units.
04
Integrates community hubs on the ground floor to foster social engagement among residents.
05
Combines public and private spaces to encourage interaction while maintaining personal privacy.
The Grove at Hudson Yards in Hell's Kitchen, NYC, exemplifies a contemporary approach to urban housing that prioritizes community and sustainability within a bustling metropolitan context. This architectural project seeks to address the complex needs of affordable housing while fostering a sense of belonging in an ever-evolving cityscape. Designed with a vision to integrate subsidized and market-rate housing, The Grove serves a dual purpose: it provides essential living spaces while also nurturing social interaction among diverse residents.

The architectural design of The Grove prominently showcases timber, a material that communicates warmth and encourages a natural aesthetic, distinctly contrasting with the predominant stone and concrete utilized in surrounding structures. This choice not only aligns with sustainable building practices but also signifies a thoughtful connection to nature, providing an inviting home for its residents. The building's façade integrates a rain screen panel system, enhancing both durability and visual appeal while managing environmental impacts effectively. The use of insulated wood panels further emphasizes energy efficiency, ensuring that residents experience comfortable living conditions year-round.

The layout of the project encompasses a total of 24 housing units, incorporating a mix of studio lofts, one-bedroom apartments, and communal spaces. This diversity in unit composition allows for flexible living arrangements suitable for various demographic groups. Each unit is designed to promote both functionality and intimacy, facilitating the residents' everyday lives while ensuring privacy. The configuration of living spaces encourages socialization, particularly through public areas situated on the lower levels. These communal spaces play a crucial role in bridging the gap between subsidized housing residents and the broader community, fostering engagement and shared experiences.

Unique design approaches manifest in the intentional spatial organization throughout the building. By placing communal and public spaces strategically at ground level, The Grove invites residents and visitors alike to engage, attend community events, and interact with the local environment. This design choice reinforces the commitment to inclusivity, breaking down socio-economic barriers often seen in urban settings. The architectural narrative conveyed through this approach not only reflects a modern understanding of housing needs but also emphasizes the importance of community as a central tenet of urban living.

In summary, The Grove at Hudson Yards stands as a notable example of thoughtful architecture that addresses the dynamics of affordable housing while simultaneously nurturing a vibrant community. The innovative use of timber, the careful arrangement of living spaces, and the integration of public areas all contribute to a cohesive and meaningful living environment. Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to dive deeper into its architectural plans and sections, as well as the various architectural designs and ideas that comprise this significant urban initiative.
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MICROHOME
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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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