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Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Greenery in Affordable Housing Development

Author:
Mariano Managò
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Greenery in Affordable Housing Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and vertical greenery, this affordable housing development redefines urban living through sustainable materials and adaptable spaces designed to foster community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical greenery to enhance biodiversity and improve air quality.
02
Features winter gardens that extend living spaces and promote outdoor engagement.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels, reducing construction time and minimizing waste.
05
Offers five diverse apartment types catering to varying family sizes and needs.

### Overview

The "Good Value(s) for Barking" project focuses on addressing the need for affordable housing in Barking, London. It aims to create residential solutions that prioritize accessibility without sacrificing quality or aesthetic appeal. The design framework promotes a balance of functional living spaces that respond to diverse socioeconomic needs within the urban context.

### Adaptable Living Spaces

The project features a range of housing typologies that cater to various household requirements. Five distinct apartment types—spanning from 35 to 140 square meters—accommodate families, individuals, and multi-generational living. Each unit includes features such as balconies and winter gardens, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. This spatial strategy encourages adaptability and livability throughout the year, facilitating a versatile residential experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The architectural design employs a variety of materials emphasizing both affordability and durability. Timber and plywood are utilized for interior finishes and walls, offering aesthetic warmth and functionality. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, chosen for its stability and long-lasting properties. Glass is incorporated in facades and balcony barriers to enhance natural light and maintain openness. The integration of communal gardens and vertical greenery reflects a commitment to environmental sustainability, contributing to the overall ecological landscape of the development.

The design also promotes community engagement through pedestrian pathways and shared amenities, fostering social interaction among residents while ensuring connectivity to local resources and transport options.

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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

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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