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Charred Wooden Shingles Over Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Sustainable Family Homes

Authors:
Eunkyoung Kim, Hyunchang Cho
Charred Wooden Shingles Over Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Sustainable Family Homes

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this residential design seamlessly blends sustainability with modern living, creating warm and inviting homes that foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates both charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the living spaces.
03
Integrates communal gardens within the layout, promoting social interaction among residents while enhancing biodiversity.
04
Utilizes modular configurations, allowing for flexible adaptations to suit a variety of family needs and dynamics.
05
Emphasizes ecological design through rainwater retention systems incorporated into the green roofs.
The "Parallel Houses" project represents a notable advancement in the field of residential architecture, focusing on the necessity for functional living spaces while fostering community among residents. This project embodies a thoughtful response to urban residential challenges by offering a blend of privacy for families and opportunities for social interaction. The design incorporates two distinct dwelling types, effectively addressing a spectrum of family configurations, ensuring that various lifestyle needs are catered to within a cohesive architectural framework.

The primary function of the "Parallel Houses" is to provide high-quality, adaptable living environments that promote both individual comfort and communal engagement. Each home is designed with a clear understanding of the interplay between private and public spaces, allowing residents to enjoy their personal sanctuaries while remaining part of a larger, vibrant neighborhood.

The architectural layout features single-story homes thoughtfully organized in a manner that nurtures connections between the units while preserving the privacy of each household. The design includes an upper tier that houses essential living areas, such as kitchens and bedrooms, allowing for ample light and views of the surroundings. Conversely, the lower tier focuses on versatility, accommodating office spaces and communal living areas that respond to the evolving nature of work and family life.

Materiality plays a significant role in the architectural expression of the "Parallel Houses." The use of warm wood cladding not only adds aesthetic warmth to the facades but also enhances the sustainability aspect of the project. Metal roofing materials are selected for their durability and efficiency, ensuring a long-lasting structure that harmonizes with the natural landscape. Large glass windows and doors invite natural light into the interiors and blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, showcasing a continuous dialogue with the environment. Concrete elements serve as a reliable foundation while also forming the basis for communal outdoor spaces designed for social activities.

One of the distinctive features of the "Parallel Houses" is the incorporation of green roofs, which demonstrates a commitment to ecological sustainability. This design approach enhances the homes' energy efficiency and positively impacts the local environment by promoting biodiversity. The project is carefully positioned within the natural landscape, utilizing existing trees and plant life to reinforce the connection between the architecture and its surroundings.

The modularity of the design is particularly noteworthy, allowing for customization as per varying family sizes and lifestyles. This flexibility is essential in contemporary urban settings, where housing demand is diverse and constantly evolving. Additionally, communal interaction areas are integrated into the project, fostering opportunities for residents to gather, share experiences, and strengthen neighborhood ties.

Both the architectural plans and sections illustrate the careful consideration that has gone into the design process, revealing the intention behind every element introduced into the homes. The spatial organization, material choices, and innovative approaches to communal living all contribute to the originality of the project.

As you explore the presentation of the "Parallel Houses," delve into the architectural designs and ideas that encapsulate this thoughtful exploration of urban living. Reviewing the architectural plans and sections will further clarify how these homes achieve an effective balance between private space and community engagement, making it a significant model for future residential developments.
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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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