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Rooftop Residences Featuring Structural Insulated Panels and Natural Cedar Cladding for Urban Living

Authors:
Shaad Hassan Zaidi, Robert Charles Christo
Rooftop Residences Featuring Structural Insulated Panels and Natural Cedar Cladding for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing structural insulated panels and natural cedar cladding, this rooftop development integrates sustainable materials to create affordable housing solutions within the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes structural insulated panels for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates natural cedar siding for durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a modular design allowing for flexible layouts and quick assembly.
04
Includes rainwater collection systems for sustainable irrigation.
05
Creates communal spaces that foster social interaction among residents.
The RT-DU project is an architectural endeavor located in New York City, focusing on the adaptation and utilization of underused rooftop spaces for residential purposes. It aims to provide affordable housing solutions in response to the urban housing crisis exacerbated by recent global events. The design emphasizes modularity, sustainability, and community integration, addressing the specific challenges of urban living while enhancing the functionality of existing structures.

Integration of Community and Modularity

This project represents a forward-thinking approach to urban housing. The modular design allows for rapid assembly and flexibility in layout, accommodating diverse needs of residents. The use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) provides energy efficiency and quick construction capabilities. Furthermore, the architecture embraces the traditional stoop culture of New York City, encouraging social interactions among residents through shared communal spaces, enhancing the community feeling within a dense urban environment.

Sustainability as a Core Principle

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of this architectural design. The project employs various sustainable materials, including solar photovoltaic panels for energy generation, rainwater collection systems, and natural cedar siding for aesthetic and functional benefits. Each unit is designed with resource efficiency in mind, optimizing space while ensuring adequate ventilation, natural light, and thermal comfort. The architectural plans reflect a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint, maintaining energy-efficient living conditions while contributing positively to the surrounding environment.

By exploring the architectural designs, architectural plans, and architectural sections of the RT-DU project, you can gain deeper insights into its innovative design concepts and functional strategies. This project's unique approach may serve as an important reference in contemporary urban architecture, informing future residential developments.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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