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Elevated Living Through Blackened Steel and Birch Plywood in Urban Housing

Authors:
Christine Williams, Jeremy Jerge
Elevated Living Through Blackened Steel and Birch Plywood in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Elevated units supported by cylindrical concrete columns create a dynamic interplay of space and greenery, integrating birch plywood interiors with a facade of blackened steel for a sustainable urban housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living units create an open ground-level community space.
02
Cylindrical concrete columns allow for enhanced structural stability and viewlines.
03
Birch plywood interiors provide a warm, natural aesthetic while promoting sustainability.
04
Blackened steel facades offer durability and a modern visual contrast.
05
The design maximizes natural ventilation and daylight through strategic openings.
The architectural project, referred to as "Reforestation," presents an innovative approach to urban housing, particularly within a densely populated area such as New York City. The design addresses urban density while promoting green space, executing a thoughtful interplay between architecture and nature. By elevating living units and integrating them with natural surroundings, the project seeks to redefine the urban living experience, balancing the need for housing with environmental concerns.

Unique Design Features
The design utilizes a modular system that resembles tree-like structures, creating an elevated living environment that encourages communal interaction at the ground level. Each unit is supported by cylindrical concrete columns, which frees the ground space for public use and enhances accessibility. The distinct vertical elevation allows residents to maintain views of the urban landscape while experiencing a sense of connection with nature. This design approach differentiates the project from typical urban housing developments by prioritizing both individual privacy and community engagement.

Material Selection and Sustainability
The project emphasizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials, which include birch plywood for interior finishes, blackened structural steel for the frame, and polished concrete for columns and flooring. Low emissivity glazing is utilized in windows to optimize natural light while minimizing energy loss. This materiality supports the project's goal of creating an energy-efficient living environment that harmonizes with its surroundings.

Architectural Configuration
The internal layout of the units is designed to maximize space usage, featuring compact yet functional areas for kitchens, living spaces, bathrooms, and bedrooms. The vertical orientation enhances interaction among residents while providing an open atmosphere. Additionally, architectural features facilitate natural ventilation and daylight, improving indoor quality.

This project represents a forward-thinking methodology for addressing housing needs in urban settings. For those seeking in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and designs, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. The unique architecture and thoughtful design ideas exemplified in this project highlight the potential for integrating sustainable practices in urban housing developments.
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MICROHOME
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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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