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Reclaimed Brick Facade with Biophilic Design for Urban Multigenerational Living

Authors:
Ziqi Wang, Hui Ching Tang
Reclaimed Brick Facade with Biophilic Design for Urban Multigenerational Living

Project in-detail

A facade of reclaimed brick seamlessly blends with biophilic design elements, creating a sustainable and adaptable environment for multigenerational urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed brick exterior enhances sustainability and connects to local history.
02
Biophilic design elements increase indoor greenery and promote resident well-being.
03
Multifunctional communal spaces encourage social interaction among diverse age groups.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability while reducing carbon footprint.
05
Flexible unit configurations adapt to changing family needs over time.
"Layered Living" is an architectural project located in Chicago, designed to provide modern housing solutions while fostering community engagement. The project emphasizes spatial organization, integrating private and communal areas to accommodate the needs of contemporary families. The design focuses on creating an environment that nurtures social interaction, particularly among residents of different ages, making it suitable for both young families and multigenerational living arrangements.

**Integrated Spaces**
This project features a thoughtful arrangement of spaces that prioritize functionality and user experience. Each residential unit is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for various configurations that cater to different family types and sizes. The incorporation of shared communal areas, such as gardens and play zones, encourages interactions among residents, merging private living with community-oriented spaces. This layout aims to create opportunities for neighborly connections while ensuring each household retains a sense of privacy.

**Sustainable Materiality and Design Approach**
The architectural design prioritizes sustainability through the strategic use of reclaimed materials, such as brick, wood, and concrete. This choice not only minimizes environmental impact but also enriches the project’s aesthetic, injecting a historical narrative into modern living. The contrast of materials, combined with large glass elements, maximizes natural light and enhances visual connections to the surrounding environment. The design includes biophilic components, such as indoor green spaces, integrating nature within residential areas to promote well-being among residents.

**Community-Centric Features**
"Layered Living" distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to community engagement. Architectural elements are designed to facilitate social interaction, including outdoor terraces and multifunctional spaces that can be utilized for various communal activities. The project's architecture reflects a clear understanding of the dynamics of urban living, offering spaces that are adaptable for different uses while enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents.

For a comprehensive understanding of "Layered Living," interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs available in the project presentation. These materials provide deeper insights into the project’s design ideas and spatial configurations.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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