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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in Compact Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Diego Ramirez, Ksenia Dyusembaeva
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Gardens in Compact Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and modular timber construction, this compact urban housing solution integrates vertical gardens to enhance community connectivity while addressing the need for affordable living space in a dense cityscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features modular units that allow for easy reconfiguration according to resident needs.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing both structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates extensive vertical gardens for urban agriculture and improved air quality.
05
Employs cross-laminated timber panels to reduce construction time and environmental impact.
Rooftoppers is an architectural project designed to address affordable housing challenges in urban environments, particularly within the dense context of Hong Kong. The proposal envisions the transformation of rooftops into micro productive housing units that not only serve residential purposes but also foster community engagement and sustainability. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the project seeks to optimize land use while creating livable, green spaces atop high-rise buildings.

Innovative Use of Space and Community Integration

A key feature of Rooftoppers is its focus on the integration of community-oriented spaces alongside individual units. The design includes communal gardens and social interaction areas that encourage residents to engage with each other and the environment. These elements promote social cohesion and create opportunities for urban agriculture, allowing residents to cultivate plants and vegetables.

The spatial configuration of the units is modular, enabling flexibility and adaptability in response to diverse living situations. Open-plan layouts facilitate multifunctional use, enhancing usability by accommodating both work and leisure activities. Outdoor spaces such as balconies and rooftop gardens further enrich the living experience, providing access to nature and enhancing the overall quality of life in an urban setting.

Sustainable Material Choices and Structural Innovation

Rooftoppers is distinguished by its thoughtful material selections, emphasizing sustainability and ecological responsibility. Primary materials include timber for structural components, glass for transparency and natural light, and metal for durability. These materials not only contribute to the structural integrity of the design but also communicate a modern aesthetic that aligns with the existing urban fabric of Hong Kong.

The project employs a grid-based structural system, which offers stability and promotes efficient construction practices. By prioritizing biophilic design principles, Rooftoppers incorporates greenery throughout the project, enhancing air quality and promoting biodiversity. This careful balance of materials and design strategies underscores the commitment to creating a sustainable urban housing solution.

Explore the Project Further

To gain deeper insights into the architectural context of Rooftoppers, including architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas, the reader is encouraged to explore the project presentation. Analysis of these elements will reveal how Rooftoppers addresses the intersection of affordability, community, and sustainability in urban architecture.
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Enter an open architecture
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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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