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Charred Wooden Shingles Frame Community Housing with Modular Adaptability

Authors:
Vanessa Ma, Leroy Cheng
Charred Wooden Shingles Frame Community Housing with Modular Adaptability

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and designed for modular adaptability, this community housing solution enhances social interaction while prioritizing sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural strength and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing material use.
04
Includes semi-public porches that facilitate community interaction among residents.
05
Utilizes a modular layout, allowing for flexible unit configurations to meet diverse needs.

The Hundred Porches project is an architectural design initiative located in Melbourne, Australia, focused on providing affordable housing solutions. The design emphasizes a modular system aimed at addressing the growing demand for housing while promoting community interaction and sustainable living practices. This project incorporates elements that enhance the functionality of living spaces without compromising on quality or accessibility.

The architecture features a series of adaptable housing units arranged to foster a sense of community among residents. Each unit is designed with the potential for customization and expansion, allowing residents to modify their living environments as needs evolve. The intricate layout includes a network of semi-public porches that serve as extensions of private living spaces, encouraging social interaction while maintaining personal privacy.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinguishing aspect of The Hundred Porches is its emphasis on semi-public spaces, which seamlessly integrate the interior and exterior environments. The porches are essential in creating landscapes where residents can gather, socialize, and engage with their neighbors, promoting a strong community atmosphere. Additionally, the project integrates sustainable practices, such as green roofing and rainwater collection systems, emphasizing a commitment to ecological responsibility.

Diverse configurations of units cater to varying household sizes and demographics, making the project inclusive and adaptable. This flexibility is fundamental to the design, allowing it to accommodate families, individuals, and groups of varying socio-economic backgrounds. The architectural approach not only addresses immediate housing needs but also promotes long-term community stability.

Sustainability and Materiality

The material selection within The Hundred Porches is carefully considered to balance durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact. Key materials include brick for structural integrity, concrete for foundational strength, and extensive glazing to optimize natural light. Timber accents throughout the design provide warmth and enhance the overall aesthetic without compromising structural performance.

By employing contemporary building materials and techniques while honoring traditional architectural elements, the project creates a coherent visual identity within its urban context. The design prioritizes energy efficiency and minimizes environmental impact, embodying principles of sustainable architecture in every aspect.

For readers interested in obtaining further insights, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide a deeper understanding of the innovative ideas behind The Hundred Porches project. This exploration reveals a thoughtful approach to modern living that could inform future housing solutions in urban environments.

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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