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Charred Wooden Shingles Overlaying Modular Housing with Green Roof Integration

Author:
Matt Gavino
Charred Wooden Shingles Overlaying Modular Housing with Green Roof Integration

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and modular components, the design emphasizes sustainability with green roofs to create adaptable living spaces that foster community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes extensive green roofs to support urban biodiversity and reduce heat.
05
Facilitates adaptable living spaces tailored to diverse resident needs.

### Overview

Located in Hunter’s Point, New York, N.Y. Commune is an architectural design that integrates modern urban living with community-focused principles. The project aims to redefine traditional housing models by creating adaptable and flexible dwelling units that facilitate social interactions among residents. Its design reflects a contemporary urban aesthetic while accommodating the diverse needs of its inhabitants.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

The layout features customizable dwelling units that allow residents to adjust living spaces according to personal preferences. These units are organized in an open plan, maximizing natural light and a sense of spaciousness. The structure's flexible tower configuration supports varying shapes and sizes, optimizing space utilization and enabling diverse living arrangements. Central to this design are communal areas such as elevated walkways and gardens, which serve as social hubs, encouraging interaction among residents. Hallways are designed as gathering spots, bridging private living units with shared outdoor environments.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices for N.Y. Commune prioritize sustainability and aesthetic coherence. Reinforced concrete forms the building's structural framework, ensuring durability, while a rigid steel framing system enhances design flexibility. Composite timber decking adds a warm element to the interiors, complementing environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, the project incorporates recycled modular housing components, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. The design incorporates green roofs, contributing to urban biodiversity and enhancing insulation while facilitating community gardening initiatives. These materials collectively support the project's objective of creating a functional and ecological living environment.

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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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