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Elevated Community Living With Charred Wooden Shingles and Ecological Waterway Integration

Authors:
Ekaterina Luniakova, Valentina Kharlova
Elevated Community Living With Charred Wooden Shingles and Ecological Waterway Integration

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop elevated structures that integrate with London's hidden waterways to create adaptable community living spaces focused on sustainability and ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a visually appealing facade.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer structural strength and sustainability.
03
The design incorporates a unique bent A-frame structure for optimal space utilization.
04
Elevated construction ensures flood resilience and public accessibility beneath buildings.
05
Integration with London's hidden waterways promotes biodiversity and ecological awareness.

The Urban Ecosystem project represents an innovative approach to urban living by integrating ecological principles with residential architecture in Greater London. This development seeks to reconnect inhabitants with their environment by reclaiming and revitalizing the city's lost rivers. The primary function of the project is to provide a range of housing options while promoting sustainability and community interaction.

The design consists of multifaceted residential units combined with communal spaces and public amenities, structured around existing waterways. The layout not only addresses the pressing demand for housing but also emphasizes inclusivity through adaptable dwelling configurations capable of accommodating different family structures. The architecture utilizes a blend of traditional and contemporary materials, including brick, glass, and wood, establishing a harmonious relationship with the urban context.

The integration of decentralized energy sources such as hydro turbines exemplifies the project's commitment to sustainability. By harnessing energy from the nearby river, the design addresses energy efficiency and reduces reliance on external power sources. Furthermore, the elevated structures enhance flood resilience, promoting safety while permitting public use beneath the buildings.

Innovative Public Space Integration

A significant aspect of the Urban Ecosystem project is its focus on public spaces designed to encourage community engagement. Ground-level areas feature markets, cafes, and recreational amenities that facilitate social interaction and foster a sense of belonging among residents. The design incorporates a pedestrian bridge, promoting connectivity between the housing units and the waterfront, enhancing mobility and interaction with nature in an urban setting.

The project stands out not only for its ecological considerations but also for its architectural approach to spatial design. The carefully oriented layout allows for natural light penetration and views of the waterfront, maximizing the benefits of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, flexible living arrangements provide residents with customizable options that cater to diverse lifestyles, promoting a more efficient use of space in urban living.

Resilience and Sustainability in Design

Sustainability is a core principle throughout the Urban Ecosystem project, reflected in the design and material choices. The combination of durable materials—brick for structural integrity, glass for transparency and light, and wood for a natural aesthetic—creates a robust environment conducive to both community living and ecological harmony.

The architectural design emphasizes flood resilience, with elevated structures mitigating risks associated with rising water levels. This aspect is critical, particularly in a city that faces climate-related challenges. The overall project not only aims to meet housing needs but also serves as a model for integrating ecological awareness and sustainable practices within urban residential developments.

To explore more about the Urban Ecosystem project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and specific architectural designs that highlight innovative strategies and sustainable solutions, please review the detailed presentation available.

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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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