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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in Affordable Housing Development

Author:
Daniel Kopřiva
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in Affordable Housing Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and green wall systems, the design emphasizes sustainability and community interaction while providing affordable housing solutions in an urban environment.
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 efficient construction and environmental sustainability.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
05
Includes community-focused outdoor spaces to foster social interaction among residents.

### Project Overview

The project focuses on the design of affordable housing in Milan, Italy, aimed at addressing urban housing challenges while integrating community-oriented and environmentally sustainable principles. Set within an urban context, the intention is to create living spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also accessible to lower- and middle-income residents. These designs reflect a modern interpretation of Milan's architectural heritage while promoting social interaction and environmental responsibility.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout comprises several interconnected buildings, each designed to foster a cohesive community environment. The building forms feature staggered, angular masses that enhance the play of light and shadow across the façade, creating visual interest. At the ground level, open spaces are designated for recreational activities, encouraging community engagement and outdoor interaction. Residential units are configured to prioritize flexibility and comfort, with various layouts ensuring optimal use of space and privacy. Each unit is equipped with operable windows to facilitate cross ventilation and features balconies or terraces that contribute to the overall livability.

### Material Selection

Materiality is central to the project’s design ethos, balancing aesthetic qualities with performance characteristics. Notable materials include reinforced concrete for structural durability, expansive glass facades to ensure ample natural light, and timber for balcony structures that connect residents to nature. The use of metal cladding provides additional weather resistance, while green wall systems are incorporated to enhance biodiversity and air quality. The selection of permeable paving materials supports effective rainwater management, further aligning with sustainability objectives. This careful consideration of materials reflects a commitment to both visual appeal and environmental stewardship.

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

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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