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Cross-Laminated Timber Housing with Green Roofs Emerging from Urban Parking Lots

Author:
Timothy Owen
Cross-Laminated Timber Housing with Green Roofs Emerging from Urban Parking Lots

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber and green roofs, this urban housing initiative transforms underused parking lots into sustainable living spaces designed for affordability and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a bent A-frame design optimizing natural light and ventilation.
04
Integrates green roofs to support biodiversity and reduce heat island effects in urban areas.
05
Transforms existing parking lots, maximizing land use while addressing housing shortages.

Spot Transformation is a housing project situated in San Francisco, California, designed to address the critical issue of affordable housing in urban settings. This initiative converts underutilized parking lots into residential units, significantly maximizing land use and fulfilling the demand for increased housing density. The project integrates modular construction techniques with sustainable architectural practices, creating a viable solution for low-income residents while promoting community interaction.

Innovative Modular Construction

A defining aspect of the Spot Transformation project is its use of modular construction. By employing pre-fabricated units constructed off-site, the design allows for expedited assembly, reducing the overall construction timeline. This method enhances design flexibility, enabling variations in unit configurations to meet diverse living requirements. The incorporation of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) as a primary structural element reflects a commitment to sustainability by minimizing material waste and lowering the carbon footprint of the building. This focus on environmentally responsible architecture is further reinforced by the project’s integration of green roofs, which support local biodiversity and improve the overall urban environment.

Community-Centric Architectural Design

The architectural design of Spot Transformation prioritizes community engagement through carefully crafted communal spaces. Public areas integrated within and around the residential units create opportunities for social interaction and community gatherings. The design also incorporates ample greenery, enabling residents to enjoy outdoor spaces while contributing to urban ecology. This focus on enhancing the communal aspects of living encapsulates the project's core intention: fostering connections among residents in densely populated urban settings.

In conclusion, Spot Transformation combines innovative architectural design with practical solutions for urban housing. For readers interested in a deeper exploration of this project, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide valuable insights into its unique approach and the specifics of its implementation.

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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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