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Cross-Laminated Timber Homes Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs for Urban Living

Author:
David Windt
Cross-Laminated Timber Homes Enhanced by Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Combining cross-laminated timber panels with charred wooden shingles and green roofs, this design redefines urban housing by fostering community ties while embracing environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of cross-laminated timber panels significantly reduces the project's carbon footprint while enhancing structural stability.
02
Charred wooden shingles create a visually appealing exterior finish that also provides fire resistance.
03
Green roofs integrated into the design foster biodiversity and improve urban air quality.
04
The bent A-frame design allows for increased interior space and unique architectural aesthetics.
05
Communal garden spaces are seamlessly woven into the residential layout to promote social interaction.
This architectural project presents a thoughtful solution to the growing demand for affordable housing in an urban context, particularly focusing on the city of Berlin. Permeating the design is a commitment to creating spaces that nourish community interaction while maintaining individual privacy, an increasingly important balance in today’s densely populated environments. The design concept revolves around the idea of stacked family homes, intentionally devised to utilize vertical space efficiently within the urban fabric.

The project stands as a testament to how modern architecture can engage with pressing social issues. It acknowledges the complex needs of diverse demographics, including families, students, and individuals seeking affordable housing options. The architecture thus facilitates a communal atmosphere while respecting personal living spaces, ensuring that social dynamics can flourish in a harmonious setting.

Crucial to the project is the strategic integration of communal and private spaces. Residents are presented with opportunities for social interaction through thoughtfully designed communal gardens and shared recreational areas. These spaces not only serve as places for gathering but also emphasize environmental sustainability, as they incorporate elements such as green roofs and rainwater management systems. This connection to nature helps to foster a sense of well-being, underscoring the project's commitment to improving quality of life for its inhabitants.

In terms of functionality, the architectural design prioritizes flexibility within its spatial configurations. Each residential unit is crafted to accommodate the changing needs of families over time, supporting various living arrangements as circumstances evolve. This adaptability ensures that the architecture remains relevant and useful in an ever-changing urban landscape, standing in contrast to more static, traditional housing solutions.

The materiality of the project is another integral component that aligns with both its aesthetic and functional ambitions. Utilizing sustainable materials, such as wood for structural elements and concrete for durability, the architecture reflects a conscious choice towards ecological responsibility. Large glass windows and facades bring ample natural light into the living spaces, enhancing the overall atmosphere of openness and connection to the outdoors. Such selections are not merely superficial choices but are woven into the very fabric of the design, reinforcing the project’s ethos of sustainability and community.

What sets this project apart from conventional residential designs is its emphasis on connectivity—not just within the buildings, but also to the surrounding urban environment. The entrances designed to open onto the street invite the public in, fostering a sense of inclusiveness and belonging that is often lost in more insulated residential developments. This integration helps to blend the built environment with communal life in Berlin, creating a network of interactions that resonates throughout the neighborhood.

The innovative approach to water management systems further enhances the project’s sustainability profile. By incorporating rainwater harvesting solutions, the design mitigates potential flooding while promoting environmental stewardship among residents. This focus on ecological sustainability extends to the landscaping, which has been carefully curated to support biodiversity and local flora, challenging the notion of urban living as purely concrete-centric.

Overall, the design embodies a modern interpretation of urban housing that is sensitive to both people and the environment. The attention to community-focused features, such as shared green spaces and adaptable interiors, positions this project as a model for future developments grappling with similar challenges. For those interested in delving deeper into the project’s architectural plans, sections, and designs, exploring the various facets presented will provide a comprehensive view of its vision and execution. This project encapsulates not only a response to housing demands but also illustrates the potential of architecture to enhance urban life meaningfully.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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