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Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Create Sustainable Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Joseph Loreto, Ramsey Leung
Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Create Sustainable Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and charred wood, this development creates a durable and sustainable residential community that integrates seamlessly into the urban landscape of Berlin's Mitte district.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and ventilation.
04
Includes communal green roofs to promote biodiversity and sustainable practices.
05
Offers multiple adaptable residential unit layouts for diverse living needs.
Villa Redux is an architectural project located in Mitte, Berlin, designed to address the increasing demand for affordable housing in urban areas. This project seeks to balance functional living spaces with sustainable design, creating a community-oriented environment that caters to diverse demographics. The design incorporates a series of interconnected residential blocks, promoting accessibility while ensuring privacy through the strategic placement of communal areas and green spaces.

The layout of Villa Redux is carefully crafted to integrate with its surroundings. It features multiple building typologies, including communal living spaces, shared residential units, and individual apartments, allowing for a variety of housing options. This flexibility addresses the diverse needs of residents, from families to young professionals. The expansive communal green areas not only provide spaces for recreation but also serve ecological functions, enhancing biodiversity and improving the microclimate of the development.

Sustainable design practices inform the material choices for Villa Redux. Cross-laminated timber (CLT), masonry, metal cladding, and glass are used to achieve a balance between durability, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency. CLT serves as a primary structural element, promoting renewable resources, while masonry facades reference the historical context of the area. The integration of glass elements maximizes natural light, contributing to a livable and inviting atmosphere.

Community Engagement and Mixed-Use Design

Villa Redux emphasizes community engagement through its design. Communal spaces are strategically placed to foster social interactions among residents, addressing urban isolation. The project includes spaces for commercial use, such as shops and cafés, seamlessly integrated within residential areas. This mixed-use approach supports a vibrant community life, allowing for convenient access to essential services while enhancing the overall livability of the development.

A unique feature of Villa Redux is its commitment to ecological sustainability. The project incorporates green roofs and communal gardening spaces, encouraging residents to participate in sustainable practices. These areas are designed not only as recreational spaces but also as ecological buffers, supporting local biodiversity and improving air quality.

Adaptability and Urban Integration

The adaptability of Villa Redux serves as a significant element in the design. Each residential unit is conceived with flexibility, allowing for easy modification to meet changing resident needs over time. The careful consideration of circulation and connectivity within the site ensures that the development is well integrated with the existing urban fabric of Mitte. Pedestrian pathways and bike lanes promote non-motorized transport, contributing to a healthier lifestyle and reducing traffic congestion.

Villa Redux represents a thoughtful response to the challenges facing modern urban living. Its design emphasizes not only housing affordability but also community cohesion and environmental responsibility. The incorporation of sustainable materials and community-oriented spaces positions this project as a model for future developments in urban settings.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design concepts of Villa Redux, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of this project.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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