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Chimney Core Structure Featuring Woven Wire Facade and Flexible Living Units in Urban Housing

Authors:
Ximena Moraes, Nicolas Quagliata, Nicolas Percovich, Veronica Slyomovich
Chimney Core Structure Featuring Woven Wire Facade and Flexible Living Units in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

With a chimney core structure that facilitates vertical circulation and a façade of woven wire mesh, this urban housing solution emphasizes flexible living units while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Chimney core design integrates vertical circulation and service distribution.
02
Woven wire mesh façade enhances light penetration while maintaining privacy.
03
Flexible living units adapt to residents' changing needs over time.
04
Community levels promote social interaction and collaboration among residents.
05
Sustainability is prioritized through the use of recycled and eco-friendly materials.

London Apptown is an architectural project that addresses the pressing need for affordable and sustainable urban housing in London. This design emphasizes the integration of living spaces with communal amenities, promoting both individual privacy and community interaction. The architectural framework is structured around the concept of a “physical social network," allowing for a blend of residential and social experiences.

The project features a series of vertical towers, designed to encourage social engagement among residents through shared spaces. At the core of this design is a chimney-like structure that facilitates vertical circulation and provides essential services, while also serving as a visual identifier of community interconnectedness. The adaptability of living units is another significant aspect, allowing configurations to change in response to the needs of residents over time.

Innovative Materials and Sustainable Practices

London Apptown employs a variety of materials that not only contribute to the building's aesthetic but also reflect a commitment to sustainability. Key materials include woven wire mesh for the façade, which enhances light penetration while ensuring structural integrity, and recycled concrete elements that underscore the project's eco-friendly approach. The extensive use of timber in the interiors elevates the comfort of communal areas, contributing warmth to the overall atmosphere.

Shared spaces throughout the project include community levels, terraces, and interactive platforms that facilitate collaboration and social interaction among residents. This dynamic design supports both community bonding and personal retreat without compromising well-being. The thoughtful gradation from public to private spaces allows residents to engage with their neighbors in communal areas while still enjoying personal privacy.

Innovative Interaction Platforms

A defining feature of London Apptown is its integration of technology within the community design. The architecture incorporates public interactive platforms reminiscent of popular social media applications, fostering engagement and dialogue among residents. This unique design approach aligns living experiences with contemporary social preferences, enhancing overall livability and satisfaction.

The chimney concept serves dual functions, acting as both a structural and symbolic element that represents the interconnectedness of the residential community while providing necessary infrastructural services. This deliberate architectural choice exemplifies the project’s focus on human-centric design, catering to modern urban lifestyles.

The architectural design of London Apptown sets a new standard for urban living by thoughtfully merging affordable housing with innovative community elements. By emphasizing collaborative environments and sustainability, it addresses critical urban challenges while presenting a comprehensive lifestyle solution. For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and overall design ideas, further exploration of this project is encouraged.

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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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