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Cross-Laminated Timber Design Integrated with Community Gardens for Sustainable Living

Author:
Joseph Robert Russell
Cross-Laminated Timber Design Integrated with Community Gardens for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating cross-laminated timber and rammed earth construction, the development harmonizes with its surroundings while facilitating sustainable living through community gardens and shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that promote fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates extensive green roofs to enhance insulation and biodiversity.
04
Employs modular construction techniques for efficient assembly and adaptability.
05
Design includes multifunctional communal spaces to encourage social interaction.

### Project Overview
The Oakwood Mews development, situated in Enfield, UK, seeks to address the ongoing housing crisis with a focus on socially and ecologically sustainable living. Built within the framework of the Green Belt legislation of 1938, the project aims to manage urban expansion while preserving natural landscapes. The design integrates residential units with community facilities, promoting an environment that encourages both ecological awareness and community engagement.

### Spatial and Community Design
The spatial arrangement is designed to create a harmonious balance between private and public realms. Residential units are organized around public gardens that facilitate accessibility and interaction among residents. A dedicated community center serves as the focal point for social, health, and workspace activities, offering a versatile environment adaptable to various community needs. This layout encourages pedestrian movement, reinforcing connections between shared spaces and individual homes.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Sustainability underpins the material selection and construction techniques employed in Oakwood Mews. The use of locally sourced, reclaimed materials such as timber emphasizes a reduction in environmental impact. Rammed earth components provide thermal insulation while minimizing carbon emissions compared to conventional materials. Additionally, the structure incorporates high-performance insulation and weather-resistant cladding, ensuring energy efficiency and durability. The extensive use of glass in communal areas enhances natural lighting, fostering a connection with the outdoor environment. The comprehensive strategy to prioritize materials with lower embodied carbon illustrates a commitment to reducing the overall carbon footprint of the development.

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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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