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Residential Habitat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Wilfred Cheung, Minji Kim, James Frolow, Madeline Nolan
Residential Habitat Featuring Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Charred Wooden Shingles for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

This residential habitat seamlessly blends the warmth of natural wood finishes with the durability of cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, creating a sustainable living space that fosters community while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The project incorporates innovative rainwater harvesting systems that reduce reliance on municipal water supplies and promote ecological sustainability.
02
Each residential unit features movable partitions, allowing occupants to customize spaces according to their needs and preferences while maintaining a compact footprint.
03
A unique blend of cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles serves not only aesthetic purposes but also enhances the durability and thermal performance of the structure.
04
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while offering structural stability and optimal natural light through strategically positioned skylights and windows.
05
Communal gathering areas are designed with adaptable furniture and modular layouts, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among residents.
The Co-Exist project represents a progressive vision in contemporary architecture, embodying sustainable design principles while addressing modern housing challenges. This architectural initiative aims to create communal living spaces that promote not only individual well-being but also community interaction and ecological responsibility. By incorporating innovative design strategies and selecting sustainable materials, the project showcases a thoughtful response to the pressing need for adaptable and resource-efficient living environments.

The function of the Co-Exist project is primarily centered around residential living, yet it offers significant communal features that enhance social engagement among residents. The architectural design employs a modular layout, allowing users to personalize their living spaces while promoting flexible configurations to accommodate changing lifestyles. This adaptability is a critical component in addressing the diverse needs of today’s inhabitants, all while maintaining a compact footprint that respects the surrounding environment.

Significant parts of the project include the housing units designed with Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), a material choice that emphasizes both structural integrity and sustainability. The use of CLT reduces the overall carbon footprint compared to traditional construction materials. Additionally, the project integrates recycled composite materials for internal finishes, further highlighting a commitment to reducing waste and leveraging existing resources.

The architectural design ensures that each unit is filled with natural light through large windows and strategically located skylights, fostering an inviting atmosphere that enhances residents’ quality of life. Furthermore, the layout promotes clear zoning between private and communal spaces, allowing groups to interact while still providing opportunities for personal retreat. The thoughtfully designed communal areas serve as hubs for social interaction, reinforcing the project's intention to cultivate a strong sense of community among residents.

Unique design approaches in the Co-Exist project include the implementation of advanced water management systems. These systems efficiently capture and utilize rainwater, demonstrating a proactive approach to resource conservation and reducing dependency on traditional water supply systems. Additionally, the project features innovative waste collection and recycling solutions, encouraging sustainable practices among residents while minimizing environmental impact.

Another notable aspect of the project is the emphasis on scalability and prefabrication. This not only allows for efficient construction methods, reducing costs and time on site but also supports rapid deployment in urban settings where housing shortages are prevalent. The modular design and prefabricated elements provide a flexible framework for future expansion or reconfiguration, aligning with contemporary urban needs.

Overall, the Co-Exist project stands as a meaningful example of how thoughtful architecture can address environmental, social, and spatial challenges. It embraces a holistic approach that combines practicality with aesthetics and emphasizes community living in a sustainable framework. For those interested in a deeper exploration of this project, a review of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas can offer additional insights into the intricacies and intentions behind this innovative residential initiative. Explore the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of how these elements work together to create a modern living environment that prioritizes sustainability and community.
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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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