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Sustainable Living Through Painted Plasterboard Cutouts and Sawtooth Roofing in Modular Community Housing

Authors:
Chukang Liang, Hanzhe Zhang
Sustainable Living Through Painted Plasterboard Cutouts and Sawtooth Roofing in Modular Community Housing

Project in-detail

With a facade of painted plasterboard cutouts and a sawtooth roof design maximizing solar gain, the community housing initiative fosters sustainable living while promoting social interaction through its modular configuration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Painted plasterboard cutouts enhance natural light penetration and create visually appealing patterns.
02
Sawtooth roof design optimizes solar energy capture and improves thermal performance.
03
Modular construction allows for flexible layouts to accommodate diverse family needs.
04
Ground-level communal spaces encourage resident interaction and community engagement.
05
Integration of eco-friendly materials supports sustainability and energy efficiency throughout.
The Sunflower Community is an architectural project designed to promote resilience and social engagement in urban living. This project emphasizes community, sustainability, and adaptability in response to an environment that may have faced economic or social challenges. The design integrates key elements that foster interaction among residents while addressing contemporary urban concerns regarding energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Design Concept and Functionality

The architecture of the Sunflower Community revolves around a modular approach that allows for flexibility and scalability. Each unit is designed with adaptability in mind, enabling a variety of configurations to meet diverse resident needs. The structures feature a facade made of painted plasterboard, with circular cutouts that evoke the imagery of sunflower seeds. This design choice not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also allows for natural light penetration and improved airflow, promoting a healthier living environment.

Significant community spaces are incorporated at ground level, essential for fostering social interaction. These areas include open markets, community rooms, and playgrounds, all designed to encourage active engagement among residents. The incorporation of outdoor gathering spaces aligns with the project’s focus on community cohesion and invites residents to participate in communal activities.

Unique Architectural Features

One of the defining characteristics of the Sunflower Community is its innovative roof design. The sawtooth roof structure maximizes solar gain, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the buildings. This feature minimizes reliance on artificial lighting during daytime hours, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the sustainability of the project.

Additionally, the use of environmentally friendly materials plays a critical role in the design. Key materials include expanded polystyrene insulation, which helps maintain thermal comfort, and aluminum frames for windows, providing durability and ease of maintenance. The sustainability strategies integrated within the architecture aim to support ecological balance while addressing the immediate needs of the community.

Community-Centric Design Approach

The Sunflower Community is notable for its emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. Each residential unit is crafted to accommodate various family structures and living arrangements. The configuration encourages interaction, with open layouts that facilitate movement and social engagement. Furthermore, the project takes into account the potential for future developments, allowing for modification as community needs evolve.

For those interested in exploring the architectural aspects of this project further, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and design details will provide deeper insights into its innovative strategies and design principles. The Sunflower Community serves as a reflection of modern urban living, marrying functional design with a strong sense of community identity.
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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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