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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in a Community-Centric Urban Environment

Author:
Hugh Nigel Dennis
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in a Community-Centric Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and vertical gardens, this urban development enhances community engagement while prioritizing sustainability through innovative use of timber and green infrastructure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system integrated within the structure.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
03
Features vertical gardens designed to improve biodiversity and air quality.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and thermal performance.
05
Includes modular spaces that adapt to various community functions.

### Project Overview

Located in a historically rich urban area, the design seeks to integrate built environments with the surrounding natural ecosystem, emphasizing a cohesive approach to urban revitalization and environmental responsibility. The title “Laying on the City” reflects an intent to engage deeply with the existing urban fabric while promoting accessibility and connectivity within the community.

### Spatial Integration

The design prioritizes interconnectivity through spatial strategies that foster relationships between new structures and existing urban forms. Public spaces, green areas, and accessible amenities are central to this approach, enhancing user experience and encouraging community interaction. The layout is informed by principles of biomimicry, resulting in structural elements that evoke organic shapes, reinforcing a harmonious link between architecture and nature. Features such as vertical gardens and hanging planters contribute to air quality and aesthetic values by blurring the distinction between interior and exterior spaces.

### Material Palette and Sustainability

The material selection emphasizes both functionality and environmental sustainability. Key materials include sustainably sourced wood, which enhances warmth, and glass, designed to maximize natural light and transparency. Structural steel provides stability while supporting innovative geometries, and green roof systems expand biodiversity and improve local microclimates. The incorporation of recycled materials aligns the project with contemporary ecological practices, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. An advanced drainage and landscaping strategy addresses urban runoff and promotes water retention, further enhancing environmental resilience against climate change.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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