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Residential Community Featuring Natural Stone and Sustainable Timber Elements

Author:
Brett Luke
Residential Community Featuring Natural Stone and Sustainable Timber Elements

Project in-detail

This residential community integrates sustainable timber framing and natural stone elements within a thoughtfully designed layout that emphasizes both privacy and connectivity, creating a welcoming environment that nurtures community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates extensive green roofs that enhance biodiversity while improving thermal insulation for the residential units.
02
Courtyard housing typologies are utilized to create private outdoor spaces that encourage social interaction within the community.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the infrastructure, promoting sustainable water management practices throughout the neighborhood.
04
Charred wooden shingles are employed for both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance, providing a distinctive exterior finish that blends with the natural surroundings.
05
The use of cross-laminated timber panels allows for rapid construction while ensuring structural integrity and reducing the carbon footprint of the project.
This project presents an innovative architectural approach to suburban living, aimed at enhancing housing affordability in Melbourne. The design embodies the principles of community-oriented development, catering to diverse residential needs while fostering social interaction and sustainability. The architecture of this project is thoughtfully crafted to integrate residential spaces with communal areas, emphasizing a harmonious relationship between built environments and natural surroundings.

At its core, the project showcases various residential typologies that are adaptable to different family structures and lifestyles. These units are designed to encourage both privacy and community engagement, promoting a sense of belonging among residents. The thoughtful arrangement of homes and communal spaces facilitates movement and interaction, effectively creating a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. The architecture incorporates environmentally responsible practices, such as passive solar heating and cross-ventilation, which contribute to reduced energy consumption and enhanced comfort.

The material selection for the project also plays a crucial role in its overall function and aesthetic appeal. A prominent use of traditional clay bricks provides durability and contributes to thermal comfort. Sustainable wood materials are incorporated into structural elements, offering warmth and a connection to nature. Expansive glass facades allow for ample natural light to flow into the interiors, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside spaces, while fostering a sense of openness.

An essential aspect of the project is the incorporation of courtyard houses, which not only serve as private retreats for families but also encourage communal living through shared outdoor spaces. These courtyards act as social hubs, enhancing neighborly interaction while ensuring each home has a personal outdoor area. Multi-functional public spaces further enrich the community experience, serving as venues for markets, events, and recreational activities. This design approach prioritizes the idea of an engaged community, where residents can connect, collaborate, and partake in various activities within their neighborhood.

Additionally, the project includes a focus on sustainable infrastructure. The architectural design incorporates features such as green roofs and solar panels, which not only contribute to energy efficiency but also enhance the overall environmental quality of the living spaces. Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the architecture, promoting sustainable practices that align with contemporary environmental goals.

The connectivity within the site is enhanced through thoughtfully designed pedestrian pathways and green corridors that encourage an active lifestyle. These routes facilitate easy access to residential areas, communal spaces, and surrounding amenities, showcasing a commitment to creating an inclusive and walkable neighborhood.

For those interested in exploring the details of this architectural endeavor, a review of the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide greater insights into the innovative ideas that inform the project's vision. The visual representations illustrate the careful thought that has gone into each aspect of the design, emphasizing its potential to offer a supportive and engaging living environment. Exploring these elements will help one appreciate the project's contributions to contemporary architecture and community development.
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Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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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