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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in a Community-Centric Residential Development

Authors:
Francesco Grossi, Fabiola Dell'eva, Mattia Venturi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in a Community-Centric Residential Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and integrated vertical gardens, this residential development prioritizes community engagement and sustainability through adaptable living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Includes a flexible co-housing design to accommodate diverse community needs.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and views throughout the building.
The Balfron Tower Community Project focuses on the redevelopment and enhancement of a significant residential structure, designed to meet contemporary urban living needs. Located in an urban context, this architectural initiative aims to integrate public and private spaces while fostering a sense of community. The project emphasizes sustainable living, social interaction, and architectural flexibility, resulting in a balanced living environment that accommodates diverse residents.

Community-Oriented Design
A defining feature of the Balfron Tower Project is its commitment to community engagement. The design incorporates shared spaces that promote social interaction among residents. Provisions such as a community center serve as focal points, facilitating activities that encourage neighborly collaboration. The inclusion of co-housing models introduces various dwelling options, from intimate living units to larger family spaces, adapting to the varying needs of the urban population.

The project's architectural plans prioritize the creation of multifunctional public spaces within the development. Ample green areas and well-designed courtyards enhance the aesthetic quality while promoting ecological benefits. The design utilizes vertical gardens and landscaped rooftops to integrate nature into the urban landscape, improving residents' quality of life and fostering biodiversity.

Sustainable Materiality and Architecture
The material choices in this project reflect a careful consideration of durability, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. The use of reinforced concrete ensures structural integrity while providing a raw, honest aesthetic suitable for contemporary architecture. Glass elements in the facade enhance natural daylighting and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living. Steel structural components provide resilience and architectural flexibility, allowing for innovative design solutions.

Furthermore, the project explores sustainability through passive design strategies. Roof gardens not only serve as recreational spaces but also assist in stormwater management and urban heat reduction. The overall architectural design integrates energy-efficient technologies that contribute to the building’s long-term sustainability goals.

Architectural Integration
The Balfron Tower Community Project successfully integrates both public and private realms, reinforcing the importance of community-related architecture. By designing spaces that cater to social interaction, the project cultivates a sense of belonging among residents.

The architectural sections and designs reveal a multi-layered approach, where the interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters connectivity. The buildings are strategically placed to optimize views and access to natural light, which enhances overall living conditions while promoting active engagement with the surrounding environment.

The project's unique approach to urban living and design solutions makes it a relevant case study within contemporary architecture. For those interested in detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, exploring the project presentation will provide further insights into its comprehensive architectural language and conceptual foundations.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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