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Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Elevate Urban Living in Sustainable Community Housing

Authors:
Juan carlos Medina pereyra, Diana marisol Narvaez berlanga, Maria jose Montero lopez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Transparent Glass Elevate Urban Living in Sustainable Community Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a glass façade, the design creates a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and sustainable practices, serving as an affordable housing solution that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize space and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural efficiency.
04
Integrates semi-public spaces to facilitate community interaction.
05
Design includes extensive glass elements for natural light and urban connectivity.
The architectural project "OUR BEACON" focuses on providing affordable housing while promoting community engagement within an urban setting. Designed to be more than just a living space, the project aims to integrate residential areas with communal zones that encourage social interaction and cultural expression among the residents and the wider community. The building's architecture reflects a modern approach to urban living, addressing the challenges of affordable housing and the need for social sustainability in contemporary cities.

Community-Centric Design Approach

"OUR BEACON" stands out due to its strong emphasis on community integration and accessibility. Unlike conventional residential projects that isolate living units, this design incorporates semi-private spaces that facilitate interaction among residents. Features such as a library, fitness studios, performance spaces, and language centers have been strategically placed to enhance communal activities. These public amenities serve not only the residents but also welcome community members, fostering a sense of inclusion that is critical in urban neighborhoods.

Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials used in "OUR BEACON" aligns with its goals of sustainability and durability. The façade primarily incorporates glass, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces and offering views of the urban landscape. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing strength and stability. Wood accents are used in communal areas, adding warmth and inviting texture to the design. This careful selection of materials minimizes environmental impact while ensuring longevity and reliability in structure.

Visual Dynamics and Spatial Organization

The project features an innovative architectural form characterized by two distinct towers connected at various levels. The angled roofline not only contributes to an appealing silhouette but also facilitates rainwater management and energy efficiency. The layout intelligently separates private living quarters from shared amenity spaces, ensuring privacy while promoting community interaction. The verticality of the design maximizes the use of limited urban land, providing a significant number of residential units without compromising on amenity space.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of "OUR BEACON," readers are encouraged to explore detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs available in the project presentation. These resources further illustrate the innovative approaches taken in this project, showcasing the architectural ideas and concepts that define this endeavor.
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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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