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Elevated Living Spaces Featuring Railway Bricks and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Andreas maximilian Hetz, Heiko bonaventura billhard Schulte
Elevated Living Spaces Featuring Railway Bricks and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Elevated above railway infrastructure, the design incorporates locally sourced bricks and charred wooden shingles to create a cohesive residential community that emphasizes sustainability and shared living experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design integrates directly above existing railway tracks.
02
Extensive use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and aesthetics.
03
Locally sourced bricks connect the building to its historical context.
04
Flexible layouts accommodate varying family sizes and communal living.
05
Innovative collective streets foster community interaction among residents.
The RE-TROFIT architectural project is a modern residential development designed to respond effectively to the urban context of Hackney Downs, London. It features an innovative approach to housing that integrates living spaces above existing railway infrastructure. The design emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, utilizing a mix of materials that honor both tradition and modern construction techniques.

A notable characteristic of the project is the integration of elevated communal areas and landscapes within the building structure, ensuring residents have direct access to green spaces and social areas. This project not only addresses housing shortages but also enhances local community interaction and environmental quality.


Innovative Community-Centric Design

The design offers a variety of living options, from single apartments to larger family units, catering to a diverse demographic. Unique to this project is the incorporation of collective streets, which promote social interaction among residents. These streets serve as gathering points, encouraging a sense of community within the urban fabric. The use of various living arrangements, coupled with shared amenities such as kitchens and workspaces, fosters collaborative living, challenging traditional concepts of residential layouts.

Sustainable Material Choices

The architectural framework of RE-TROFIT prominently features a selection of sustainable materials. Concrete provides structural integrity for the design, while wood, used extensively in ceiling treatments and prefabricated elements, offers warmth and energy efficiency. The use of locally sourced railway bricks adds a historical layer to the project, connecting the contemporary design back to the legacy of its surroundings. These material choices not only enhance the aesthetic of the structure but also prioritize ecological considerations, reducing the carbon footprint.

For those interested in deeper insights into the architectural elements of the RE-TROFIT project, including architectural plans, sections, or specific design strategies, exploring the project presentation will provide comprehensive information on its innovative approaches and overall vision.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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