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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enhance Urban Living in Sustainable Housing Design

Author:
Michael Min
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens Enhance Urban Living in Sustainable Housing Design
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and stacked modular units, this sustainable housing complex integrates communal gardens and natural light, fostering a cohesive urban living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Modular units allow for flexible living arrangements tailored to residents' needs.
03
Vertical gardens are incorporated to improve air quality and promote biodiversity.
04
Large windows maximize natural light and provide views of the surrounding landscape.
05
The design prioritizes communal spaces to foster social interaction among residents.

Haight’s Living Society is an architectural project located in the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. This design aims to integrate residential units with communal spaces that promote both individual living and community engagement. The project is grounded in the local cultural context and seeks to support sustainable living practices while catering to diverse lifestyles.

The main function of Haight’s Living Society is to serve as a multi-family residential complex that combines living, working, and recreational spaces. The architectural design facilitates interactions among residents through shared amenities while also providing private areas for repose. Each residential unit is designed with a focus on light and airflow, ensuring a comfortable living environment.

The architectural layout consists of several stacked housing modules, which are deliberately offset to create both visual interest and spatial variety. This configuration enhances privacy for the individual units while fostering spontaneous interactions among residents.

The ground floor features open communal spaces that serve as gathering points. These are integral to the project’s design, creating environments for social activities and collaboration. In addition, outdoor areas such as terraces and gardens support both leisure and socialization, emphasizing the importance of integrating nature into urban living.

One unique aspect of this project is its modular flexibility. Each residential unit allows customization, enabling residents to adapt spaces according to their lifestyle needs. This adaptability fosters long-term residency and a sense of ownership among inhabitants.

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in defining the architectural language of Haight’s Living Society. Dominant materials include concrete for structural integrity, warm wood for finishes and outdoor areas, and expansive glass for natural light. These selections not only respond to aesthetic considerations but also promote sustainability, with plans for integrating solar panels and green roofs.

Furthermore, Haight’s Living Society addresses modern urban challenges by blurring the boundaries between private and public spaces. This design philosophy fosters a sense of belonging among residents while providing opportunities for community engagement.

For an in-depth exploration of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and innovative design ideas, readers are encouraged to review the project presentation to gain a comprehensive understanding of how Haight’s Living Society is reshaping urban living.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
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