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Cross-Laminated Timber with Charred Shingles in Flexible Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Victoria Fedorova, Christos Trompoukis, Ziying Zeng
Cross-Laminated Timber with Charred Shingles in Flexible Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Combining cross-laminated timber panels with charred wooden shingles, the design offers a versatile, sustainable housing solution that prioritizes community integration and environmental responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural performance and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design for optimal spatial efficiency and aesthetics.
04
Includes rainwater harvesting systems to promote resource conservation.
05
Integrates communal green spaces to foster community interaction and biodiversity.
The architectural design project "Infinite³" is a thoughtful exploration of modular housing solutions in an urban context, specifically addressing the housing challenges faced in Toronto, Canada. This project embodies a comprehensive approach to residential design, focusing on adaptability and sustainability. By leveraging various housing configurations, it attempts to create a living environment that can seamlessly shift in response to changing demographic needs.

The design integrates modular elements to allow for different arrangements, catering to both low-rise and high-rise developments. These structures emphasize community interaction, allowing for greater social integration while maintaining a focus on individual living spaces. Essential to the project is the incorporation of shared amenities and green spaces, which foster interaction amongst residents and encourage a sense of community.

Unique Modularity and Flexibility

The distinguishing feature of "Infinite³" is its commitment to modularity, enabling a flexible approach to urban housing. The project showcases an ability to adapt to diverse living situations, beginning with smaller one-bedroom units that can evolve into larger family residences over time. This flexibility is not merely a functional characteristic but an integral part of the architectural philosophy.

Moreover, the design emphasizes efficiency and sustainability, integrating features such as passive solar design, rainwater harvesting, and green roofs. These sustainable design strategies optimize energy use and promote ecological responsibility, contributing to the overall resilience of urban living.

Sustainable Material Selection and Community Integration

The project features a carefully chosen palette of materials, including reinforced concrete, wood, metal cladding, and glass. This selection reflects both aesthetic considerations and performance criteria. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability, while wood contributes to thermal insulation and offers a natural warmth to the environment. Metal cladding adds a modern element, while extensive glass paneling ensures ample natural light and visual continuity with the exterior landscape.

Community integration plays a vital role in the layout of "Infinite³." Its design incorporates communal spaces, gardens, and terraces, all of which enhance social interaction. These areas not only serve recreational purposes but also support the local ecosystem, encouraging a biodiversity that positively impacts the urban environment.

Considering the sophisticated yet practical approaches to modular housing, "Infinite³" stands out as a relevant model for future architectural developments addressing contemporary urban challenges. To explore this project further, readers are encouraged to review relevant architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, which provide deeper insights into the innovative strategies employed throughout the project.
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MICROHOME
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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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