Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Living: A Sustainable Approach to Affordable Housing

Author:
David Windt
Charred Wooden Shingles and Vertical Living: A Sustainable Approach to Affordable Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this design creates stacked family homes that seamlessly integrate green spaces while addressing the need for affordable urban housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a central garden integrated into the design for community interaction and biodiversity.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light while minimizing overall footprint.
05
Each unit includes independent access points to promote privacy within a communal living environment.
The architectural project focused on developing a series of stacked family homes situated in the urban environment of Berlin’s Wedding district addresses the urgent need for affordable housing. It is designed to accommodate a diverse demographic, enhancing living conditions through thoughtful community integration and unexpected interactions with nature. This project emphasizes spatial efficiency while prioritizing privacy and communal engagement.

Unique Design Approach: Stacked Residential Typology
The design employs a stacked residential typology allowing for vertical expansion in an urban setting where land availability is limited. Each unit includes independent access, creating a sense of autonomy for residents while fostering a connection between them. The arrangement promotes natural light and ventilation throughout the homes, enhancing livability. This architectural strategy not only maximizes usable space but also encourages a supportive community atmosphere among residents.

Integration of Green Spaces
Significantly, the project integrates communal green spaces that serve multiple purposes. Central gardens are designed to provide residents with areas for recreation and relaxation, promoting biodiversity and environmental sustainability. These green areas act as ecological buffers, managing rainwater and supporting local flora and fauna. The incorporation of green roofs further adds to the ecological benefits, improving insulation and reducing the urban heat island effect. Such integrations reflect a conscious effort to harmonize living spaces with the natural environment, setting this project apart from conventional urban housing developments.

Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette focuses on sustainability, incorporating wood, glass, and steel to create a durable yet inviting residential environment. Wood elements contribute to the aesthetic warmth and ecological footprint of the project. Extensive use of glass facilitates natural light penetration, blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Steel provides the structural integrity necessary for multi-story dwellings in a compact lot. The selected materials underscore the commitment to sustainable architecture, aligning functional needs with environmental responsibilities.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that shape this project, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. Detailed insights into the architectural ideas and methodologies are available for those interested in the nuances that define this remarkable development in urban housing.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,249 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy