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Timber Panels and Black Boxes Integrated in a Community-Centric Residential Complex

Authors:
Silvia daniela Figueroa martínez, Atila sebastián Ávila argudo
Timber Panels and Black Boxes Integrated in a Community-Centric Residential Complex

Project in-detail

With integrated black boxes and asymmetrical timber panels forming a cohesive residential complex, this design prioritizes community interaction while enhancing the living experience in a densely populated urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates four self-structured corridors that mimic tree branches.
02
Co-housing units promote a sense of community by integrating social and kitchen areas.
03
Adaptable black boxes allow flexible use of communal spaces.
04
A central park enhances residents' connection to nature and community activities.
05
Timber panels and steel profiles provide structural strength while maintaining visual appeal.

Alexandra Road Estate, located in London, represents a significant example of brutalist design created by Neave Brown in the early 1980s. Responding to the urgent need for affordable housing, the estate shifts away from conventional serial housing by introducing a design that emphasizes community and connectivity. The architecture combines rigid brutalist lines with softer, organic shapes, aiming to provide a comfortable and engaging living environment.

Housing and Community Integration

The design focuses on maximizing housing density while nurturing a sense of belonging among the residents. Co-housing units are organized in groups of three to five, each featuring shared kitchens and social areas. This arrangement encourages interaction and fosters relationships among neighbors. The layout consists of four main self-structured corridors that resemble the branches of a tree, allowing convenient movement throughout the estate and connecting communal and private spaces effectively.

Flexible Social Spaces

An important aspect of the estate is the addition of designated social areas, known as black boxes. These spaces are designed for flexibility, allowing residents to arrange them according to their needs. This adaptability supports changing community dynamics over time. Various facilities, such as living rooms, libraries, and communal kitchens, are integrated within the design to further promote social engagement while still ensuring privacy for individual residents.

Landscaping and Environment

The estate includes a large park at its center, which plays a crucial role in the overall design. Covered corridors link numerous outdoor spaces, encouraging various activities, including a neighborhood market where residents can buy fresh produce. This integration of green space enhances the aesthetic qualities of the estate and promotes sustainable practices. Residents are invited to engage with their environment, reflecting a shared connection to the surrounding area.

Architectural Elements and Materials

The materials used in the estate include timber panels and steel profiles. These choices contribute to both the strength of the structure and its visual character. The soft-shaped roof is an important design feature, providing sun coverage and adding to the overall appeal of the buildings. The careful selection of materials shows a commitment to creating a welcoming and practical living space amid the urban setting.

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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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