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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Community Space

Authors:
Rolands Bruzgulis, Elza Eliza Vitola, ElĪna Upe, Valters Bruzgulis
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Community Space

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber structure, this community space seamlessly integrates sustainable design principles to foster collaboration and engagement among users.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances fire resistance while providing a distinctive texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to faster construction times and improved structural integrity.
03
The bent A-frame design not only adds visual interest but also facilitates effective rainwater runoff.
04
Integrated green roofs support biodiversity and promote natural cooling effects within the building.
05
Thoughtfully designed communal spaces encourage social interaction and collaboration among users.
This architectural project presents a thoughtfully designed response to its urban context, combining functionality with aesthetic consideration to create a cohesive and usable space. The architecture embodies a vision that prioritizes both the needs of its users and its relationship to the surrounding environment, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

At its core, the project serves a multifaceted function, designed to accommodate various activities that cater to different user groups. The layout integrates both private and communal spaces, promoting interaction while also providing areas for reflection and tranquility. Such a balanced approach enhances the building’s usability, fostering an environment that can adapt to various events and activities, whether they be social gatherings, educational functions, or simply spaces for individual contemplation.

One of the defining features of this architectural design is its strategic use of natural light. Large windows and open spaces allow for ample daylight to penetrate deeper into the interior, illuminating the project in a way that creates a welcoming atmosphere. This not only reflects principles of biophilic design but also seeks to reduce dependency on artificial lighting, aligning with sustainable architectural practices. The carefully considered placement of these openings highlights the importance of connection with the external environment, allowing users to engage with outdoor elements seamlessly.

The material palette further reinforces the project’s overarching concepts. A combination of local materials, such as sustainably sourced timber and exposed concrete, evokes a sense of authenticity while also promoting local craftsmanship. The use of timber adds warmth to the interior spaces, while the concrete provides structural stability, ensuring longevity and durability. This focus on materiality is not merely aesthetic; it actively supports the project’s commitment to sustainability, as these materials are not only local but also lower in embodied energy compared to their alternatives.

Unique to this design is the incorporation of green spaces into the layout, which serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Rooftop gardens and biophilic elements such as living walls contribute to biodiversity while also improving air quality. These green features also allow for recreational areas that encourage users to engage with nature, bolstering mental well-being and community interaction. The architects have meticulously planned these areas to foster socialization, making the project a focal point within the neighborhood.

The architecture also includes carefully designed circulation patterns that facilitate movement throughout the space. Clear sightlines and intuitive pathways guide users through various areas, minimizing confusion and promoting a sense of ease. This thoughtful approach encourages exploration and movement, enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring that the building functions effectively as a social hub.

This project stands out due to its interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of architecture, landscape design, and urban planning to create a cohesive environment. By blending indoor and outdoor spaces and emphasizing ecological considerations, the design reflects a commitment to contemporary architectural ideas that prioritize user experience and environmental stewardship.

Overall, this architectural project merges functionality with thoughtful design, creating a space that resonates with its community and environment. For those looking to delve deeper into the architectural plans and sections, exploring the finer aspects of the design will provide valuable insights into how the project successfully meets its objectives and engages its users. This approach to understanding architectural ideas will undoubtedly enhance the appreciation of the project’s contributions to the built environment.
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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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