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Paper-Like Volumes Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber and Living Facades for Multifunctional Urban Spaces

Author:
Parminder Bal
Paper-Like Volumes Constructed with Cross-Laminated Timber and Living Facades for Multifunctional Urban Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber and defined by its paper-like volumes, this mixed-use development integrates living facades to enhance urban ecology while fostering community interaction through adaptable spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and spatial dynamics.
04
Includes living facades to promote local biodiversity and urban greening.
05
Provides flexible, multifunctional spaces tailored to community needs and activities.

## Project Overview

"Split by Self" is situated in Riley Square, Coventry, England, with an intent to revitalize the area by blending historical context with contemporary design principles. The project promotes ecological sustainability while responding to the evolving needs of the community. It focuses on creating a mixed-use environment that integrates residential and commercial spaces, aiming to enhance socio-economic interactions within the urban fabric.

### Architectural Form and Materiality

The design features distinct "paper-like" structural elements that evoke a sense of lightness and fluidity, reflecting the area’s historical narrative through a modern lens. The utilization of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for structural cores facilitates efficient space partitioning, while high-performance glass facades minimize solar gain and enhance the building’s aesthetic qualities. Timber cladding adds warmth and visual interest, drawing from historical layering, while living facades with integrated green walls support biodiversity and improve air quality.

### Community-Centric Spatial Layout

The layout prioritizes interaction, with public spaces on lower floors designated for community events, workshops, and co-working initiatives. This flexible arrangement accommodates diverse activities, fostering collaboration and engagement among users. Vertical circulation is enhanced through strategically placed open staircases, promoting transparency and connection across different levels, allowing for casual encounters and encouraging a sense of community.

Incorporating green roofs, energy-efficient features such as triple-glazed windows and CLT louvre panels, and natural ventilation strategies, the design addresses sustainability holistically. The project serves not only as a functional space but also as a reference to the site's historical significance, embodying a contemporary response to urban needs.

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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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