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Terraced Living Spaces Enhanced by Natural Light and Wooden Facades in a Vibrant Urban Environment

Authors:
Tianyi Li, Yining Luo
Terraced Living Spaces Enhanced by Natural Light and Wooden Facades in a Vibrant Urban Environment

Project in-detail

With a terraced structure that integrates greenery and maximizes natural light, this mixed-use development offers a harmonious blend of residential and commercial spaces in the heart of Phoenix.
5 key facts about this project
01
Terraced design allows for individual outdoor spaces tailored for each unit.
02
Integration of natural greenery enhances urban biodiversity and residents' well-being.
03
Use of charred wooden shingles provides durability and a striking visual texture.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels optimize construction efficiency and sustainability.
05
Commercial hub promotes community interaction while blurring public and private boundaries.

Yearntopia is an architectural project situated in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. This mixed-use development features a thoughtfully designed structure that incorporates residential and commercial spaces, promoting connectivity and engagement among its users. The project emphasizes the integration of natural elements and communal areas, creating an inviting environment for both residents and visitors. The architectural design is characterized by a terraced structure that reflects the surrounding landscape, fostering individual privacy while enhancing community interaction.

Unique Architectural Features

Yearntopia distinguishes itself through its layered, terraced design approach. The building's form varies in size and height, allowing for individual outdoor spaces such as balconies and terraces. This design not only facilitates increased daylight and ventilation but also integrates greenery throughout the structure. These terraces accommodate vegetation, enhancing urban biodiversity and providing residents with access to nature. The incorporation of these green spaces serves to improve the microclimate of the area.

The use of materials is another defining aspect of this project. Wood, glass, and concrete are strategically employed to create a harmonious aesthetic. Wood offers warmth and sustainability; glass maximizes natural light and offers panoramic views, while concrete provides structural stability. The combination of these materials contributes to both visual appeal and functional performance.

Community Focus and Functional Design

Yearntopia is designed with a strong focus on community interaction. The central "Valley" area serves as a vibrant commercial hub, blending retail and dining options that encourage social engagement. By integrating public and private spaces, the design fosters a sense of belonging among residents while providing essential amenities.

The project addresses various housing needs by offering diverse residential formats, including single-bedroom apartments and communal living spaces. This functional diversity caters to a wide demographic, from young professionals to families, enhancing the livability of the urban environment.

For those seeking detailed insights into the architectural ideas behind Yearntopia, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project will provide a comprehensive understanding of its innovative approach.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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