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Sustainable Living Through Recycled Wood and Community Spaces in Urban Housing

Author:
Shi yin Ling
Sustainable Living Through Recycled Wood and Community Spaces in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled wood and integrating communal spaces, this urban housing initiative prioritizes sustainability while fostering community interaction and affordability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using recycled wood sourced from local suppliers to reduce environmental impact.
02
Incorporates natural ventilation strategies that optimize air flow throughout communal spaces.
03
Features communal kitchens designed for social interaction and collaborative cooking experiences.
04
Utilizes innovative water management systems to minimize waste and enhance sustainability.
05
The bent A-frame design allows for increased natural light and structural efficiency.
The project titled "The Circular Concept" is an architectural initiative located in Park Royal, London. This design focuses on addressing urban housing challenges by promoting affordability and sustainability. The project integrates residential spaces with communal amenities to enhance the living experience while minimizing resource consumption. It embodies the principles of a circular economy, where every element is optimized for efficiency and longevity.

The design features a variety of interconnected units organized around shared spaces that foster community interaction. Each unit is adaptable, allowing customization by residents without expanding the overall footprint. The aim is to create a balanced environment where private living and shared facilities coexist harmoniously. By prioritizing communal aspects, the project addresses social isolation and promotes neighborly relations.

Integration of Sustainable Practices

A notable aspect of "The Circular Concept" is its emphasis on sustainability through innovative material selection. The architecture utilizes recycled wood, cellulosic products derived from agricultural waste, and aggregates sourced from construction debris. These choices reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional building materials. The architectural design also incorporates energy-efficient systems that manage water usage and minimize energy consumption, aligning with current ecological standards.

The project distinguishes itself from typical urban developments by promoting a circular lifestyle. Shared amenities such as community kitchens, gardens, and workspaces are central to the design, allowing for collaboration among residents. This approach not only decreases individual living costs but also supports local economies through the integration of small businesses. Transparency in areas of communal interest encourages greater interaction, further enhancing the communal atmosphere.

Community-Centric Design Philosophy

The design is structured to facilitate social interaction without sacrificing individual privacy. Each unit offers flexibility in layout, accommodating diverse family structures and lifestyles. The multi-functional spaces are designed to flow intuitively, encouraging movement throughout the community while ensuring residents can retreat to their private quarters as needed.

The architectural layout also emphasizes accessibility, with pathways designed for easy navigation by all users. Attention to details such as natural air filtration systems and optimized natural light contributes to a more pleasant living environment. The project serves as a blueprint for future urban development, emphasizing community resilience and environmental responsibility.

Explore the project presentation for detailed insights on architectural plans, sections, designs, and innovative architectural ideas that contribute to the overall vision of enhancing urban living through the "Circular Concept."
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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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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
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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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