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Repurposed Larch Wood and Fiber Cement Community Housing with Integrated Commercial Spaces

Authors:
Jiang hong Dai, Mei hui Pan
Repurposed Larch Wood and Fiber Cement Community Housing with Integrated Commercial Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed from repurposed larch wood and fiber cement, the design integrates commercial spaces at ground level with modular housing units above, promoting community interaction in a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed building waste is used throughout the construction.
02
The project features a modular design inspired by Tetris for adaptability.
03
A dedicated commercial area enhances community interaction and accessibility.
04
Flexible unit sizes cater to various income levels and household types.
05
Strategic placement near public transit promotes sustainable mobility options.

The design located in San Francisco addresses the urgent issue of housing shortages through a sustainable, modular approach. It focuses on repurposing building waste to create functional living spaces, aligning with the city's goal of achieving "zero waste." The project delivers various housing options for low to mid-income residents while promoting community involvement through its innovative design.

Modular Assembly Approach

The design utilizes a modular assembly system that offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom configurations. This flexibility allows residents to select living options tailored to their needs, promoting affordability. By allowing collaboration, residents in larger units can connect with those in smaller units to obtain below-market pricing, fostering a sense of community.

Integration of Public Spaces

Public and mixed-use areas play a vital role in the design, with a commercial section on the ground floor featuring cafes and shops. This integration strengthens the connection between living spaces and the local economy. It encourages residents from different income levels to engage with one another, helping to bridge social divides and create a more inclusive environment.

Access and Sustainability

The site is strategically located near public transportation options, including bus and subway stations, which encourages sustainable commuting. Additionally, it connects to a bicycle network, further supporting green transportation. The design also incorporates passive strategies to enhance energy efficiency and create comfortable living spaces. The open-plan layout on the ground floor promotes interaction among residents and visitors.

Material Strategy

Materials play an essential role in the overall design. Larch wood as the exterior wall, fiber cement board, and wool insulation are chosen carefully to ensure durability and performance. The inclusion of drainage cavities and air control systems further enhances the building’s efficiency. These material selections aim to balance aesthetic qualities with environmental responsibility.

The thoughtful design features outdoor spaces that invite interaction, creating areas for community gathering, learning, and socializing. This integration of public and private elements encourages residents to engage with their surroundings in a meaningful way.

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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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