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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.
The architectural design project exemplifies a modern approach to urban intervention, focusing on sustainability and community integration. The layout exhibits a strategic balance between built forms and natural landscapes, presenting an opportunity for revitalization within a historical urban context. This project aims to create functional spaces that engage the community while respecting environmental principles.

Green integration is central to the design, employing sustainable materials that enhance both aesthetic appeal and ecological functionality. The selected materials include wood, glass, steel, and recycled components, each contributing to the building’s resilience and energy efficiency. The thoughtful arrangement of these materials enables permeability, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors while creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments.

The architecture promotes multi-functionality, featuring adaptable spaces that accommodate a variety of uses. Public areas are designed to encourage social interaction, thereby fostering a sense of community. Vertical gardens and green roofs serve not only as aesthetic elements but also as environmental solutions to combat urban heat islands. The integration of smart technologies throughout the project suggests a forward-looking approach to building management, enhancing occupant comfort and operational efficiency.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes this project from other architectural endeavors is its commitment to biomimicry and dynamic form development. The organic shapes incorporated into the structures draw inspiration from natural systems, creating a design vocabulary that feels instinctively aligned with the environment. This approach encourages biodiversity by incorporating various ecosystems into the urban landscape.

The project also emphasizes verticality, utilizing upward movement to create a connection between various levels, which is often underutilized in urban design. The incorporation of terraces and hanging gardens not only enhances the visual aspect of the building but also contributes to urban ecology by creating habitats for wildlife.

Environmental strategies are woven throughout the design, ensuring that sustainability does not compromise functionality. Rainwater collection systems are integrated into the infrastructure, promoting water conservation alongside energy-efficient designs that rely on passive heating and cooling methods.

Spatial Organization and Community Impact

The spatial organization of the project allows for a fluid interaction between public and private realms. Key areas are allocated for community gathering, recreation, and local commerce, enhancing the project's role in the social fabric of the neighborhood. Landscaped pathways guide users through the space, creating a cohesive flow that encourages exploration and interaction.

The design outcome illustrates a clear balance of aesthetics and utility, merging contemporary architectural practices with traditional urban challenges. The layout facilitates pedestrian movement while promoting accessibility, ensuring all community members can benefit from the redesigned environment.

This architectural project invites further exploration. Review the accompanying architectural plans, sections, and designs to deeply understand the innovative ideas that have shaped this endeavor. Analyzing these elements will provide valuable insights into the project’s overall architectural intent and its implications for urban living.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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