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Fractal Living Spaces Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Authors:
Sam Maloney, Steven Prestejohn, Rita Doummar, Michelle Morsicato
Fractal Living Spaces Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design creates flexible, modular housing solutions that foster community engagement while adapting to diverse urban living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a pixelated modular design for flexible unit expansion tailored to evolving community needs.
02
Incorporates locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame structure that promotes energy efficiency and natural ventilation.
04
Integrates communal gardens to foster social interaction and support local biodiversity.
05
Employs prefabrication techniques to reduce construction time and minimize material waste.
The Fractal Urbanism project represents a thoughtful and strategic approach to addressing contemporary housing challenges in urban environments, particularly in coastal areas experiencing rapid population growth. This architectural endeavor seeks to create a flexible and modular housing solution that adapts to the needs of diverse communities while fostering a sense of belonging and sustainability. The architecture emphasizes a mixed-use design that integrates residential, commercial, and communal spaces, promoting a self-sustaining urban ecosystem.

At its core, the project embodies the concept of modular adaptability, illustrated through a pixelated design approach. This means that the housing units are conceived as individual elements, or "pixels," that can be combined and expanded upon depending on the changing needs of the community. This feature not only addresses the immediate housing shortage but also allows the structures to evolve over time, making them resilient to demographic shifts and user requirements.

Functionally, the design facilitates a range of living environments, from compact studios to family-friendly units. This range caters to different family sizes and income levels, reflecting a deep understanding of the urban demographic that the project aims to serve. The inclusion of shared amenities, such as communal gardens, wellness areas, and co-working spaces, plays a significant role in promoting social interaction and enhancing community ties, making the project not just a collection of homes but a vibrant neighborhood.

The architectural plans incorporate various innovative elements aimed at optimizing the user experience and environmental sustainability. For instance, the structural framework is designed with prefabricated materials, allowing for efficient construction processes and minimizing waste. By leveraging sustainable building materials that can be locally sourced, the project not only reduces its ecological footprint but also supports the local economy. The integration of outdoor spaces, such as balconies and public parks, fosters accessibility and a connection to nature, which is essential in urban settings.

One of the unique design approaches presented in this project is its emphasis on cooperative living arrangements. By creating ownership models that prioritize affordability and community engagement, the design promotes a more equitable distribution of urban housing resources. This mechanism encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents, further strengthening community bonds.

The architecture connects inhabitants to their environment through intentional design choices that prioritize natural light, airflow, and views of outdoor spaces. The use of strategically placed windows and open layouts enhances both the aesthetic quality of living spaces and the overall well-being of residents. Moreover, facilities like market spaces and gathering areas provide opportunities for social interaction, adding to the project's function as a community hub.

In summary, the Fractal Urbanism project positions itself as a forward-thinking architectural solution that addresses the pressing needs of urban housing. Its emphasis on modularity, sustainability, and community-oriented design presents an opportunity to rethink how we approach urban living. For further exploration of the intricate architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind this project, interested readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the presentation to gain comprehensive insights into its vision and potential impact.
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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
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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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