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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

Project in-detail

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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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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