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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Greenery in a Multifunctional Urban Setting

Authors:
Sarah Ahmed, Jila Haghnazari
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Greenery in a Multifunctional Urban Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and vertical greenery, this multifunctional structure stands as a modern response to urban density, seamlessly blending residential and commercial spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens on multiple levels to improve air quality and biodiversity.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for a lightweight yet strong structural system.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and views.
05
Integrates flexible spaces that can transition between residential and commercial use.
The architectural project "Vertical Cities" in Frankfurt am Main presents a multifaceted approach to contemporary urban living. This design incorporates mixed-use functionality through a series of four distinct cubes, each reflecting different aspects of the city’s character. The emphasis is on optimizing land use, promoting community interaction, and enhancing the overall urban experience while maintaining a focus on sustainability and environmental consideration.

Each cube serves a unique purpose, combining residential, commercial, and communal spaces in a vertical arrangement. This design minimizes the footprint on the ground while maximizing utility and encouraging interaction among diverse user groups. The architectural design is characterized by careful attention to the integration of public spaces that foster social interaction while providing a variety of environments for living and working.

Innovative Design Approaches

The project distinguishes itself through several unique design strategies. First, the incorporation of dynamic facades allows for variation in aesthetic and functional performance across the cubes. Different materials such as glass, concrete, and natural stone are thoughtfully employed to create engaging visual contrasts while promoting energy efficiency.

The design also prioritizes vertical greenery, integrating living walls and terraces into the facades to enhance air quality and improve the microclimate of the area. This approach contributes to both the ecological footprint of the buildings and the well-being of residents, establishing a connection between the environment and urban living.

Community-Centric Spaces

The internal layout of "Vertical Cities" is designed with flexibility in mind, featuring open floor plans that can accommodate both residential and commercial needs. This adaptability ensures that spaces can evolve according to the changing needs of the community. Public amenities, such as sky terraces and communal gardens, are incorporated to promote social interaction, offering residents areas to gather and engage with one another.

Design elements such as strategically located vertical circulation points facilitate movement between floors, making the experience of navigating the buildings intuitive and accessible. These details reflect a commitment to creating an environment that supports community interaction while remaining functional and efficient.

For further insights into the "Vertical Cities" project, including architectural plans, sections, and design details, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. The architectural ideas and execution presented in this project provide a comprehensive look at modern urban design principles applied in a way that responds to the needs of both the residents and the broader urban context of Frankfurt.
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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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