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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Artis Miezītis
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this sustainably designed community hub fosters connectivity and engagement among residents while integrating seamlessly into its urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and promote eco-friendliness.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates community-focused areas that encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Includes green roofs that support local biodiversity and enhance environmental performance.
The architectural project under discussion represents a thoughtful blend of modern design principles and contextual sensitivity, situated within a vibrant urban landscape. It exhibits a keen understanding of its surroundings, both physically and culturally, aiming to enhance the existing environment while establishing its own identity. The design embodies a harmonious interaction between function and aesthetic appeal, showcasing an engaging dialogue between interior spaces and the external world.

At its core, the project serves multiple purposes, with a commitment to providing a versatile space that caters to diverse community needs. This dual functionality not only enriches the user experience but also creates opportunities for interaction among various demographics. The architectural design carefully considers the dynamics of the space, addressing how individuals will navigate, engage, and interact within it. By incorporating flexible layouts and multifunctional areas, the project reflects contemporary trends in architecture that favor adaptability and sustainability.

A notable aspect of this project is its emphasis on materiality, which plays a crucial role in defining both character and function. The selection of durable and sustainable materials demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship while ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. Natural materials such as wood and stone create a warm and inviting atmosphere, seamlessly blending indoors with the exterior landscape. Glass elements facilitate transparency and light, inviting the natural environment into the spaces and promoting visual connectivity. The juxtaposition of these materials enriches the sensory experience, allowing occupants to appreciate the nuances of their surroundings.

Moreover, the architectural design thoughtfully incorporates green spaces through terraces and rooftop gardens, reinforcing a connection to nature. These areas not only contribute to the aesthetic quality of the project but also provide essential benefits, such as improved air quality and habitats for local wildlife. By integrating landscape features into the architecture, the design reflects a commitment to fostering a sustainable environment that benefits both community and ecosystem.

The project’s unique design approach is further characterized by its innovative use of forms and shapes. The fluidity of the structure's design allows it to adapt to the varying scales of the urban context, creating visual interest while maintaining a sense of cohesion. Angular forms juxtaposed with softer lines foster a rhythm that invites exploration, while also cultivating a welcoming atmosphere. The careful consideration of scale, proportion, and alignment ensures that the building harmonizes with its neighbors while asserting its own identity within the urban fabric.

Lighting also plays a pivotal role in the architectural design, with carefully planned natural and artificial illumination enhancing the ambiance throughout the day and night. By utilizing large windows and open spaces, the design maximizes daylight penetration, creating a bright and airy interior that supports the well-being of its occupants. The approach to illumination reflects an understanding of how natural light affects mood and productivity, reinforcing the project’s focus on user comfort and experience.

Throughout the design process, the architects have emphasized the importance of community engagement. By inviting input from local stakeholders and potential users, the project has evolved to meet the specific needs of the community it serves. This approach ensures that the final design resonates with local values and traditions, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

In summary, the architectural project exemplifies a cohesive integration of design, materiality, and community engagement. Its thoughtful consideration of various elements leads to a space that is not only functional but also enriching, engaging, and sustainable. To gain a richer understanding of this architectural endeavor, readers are encouraged to explore the project's architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs for a deeper insight into the innovative ideas that shaped its realization. The focus on both the aesthetic and practical aspects of this project illustrates a comprehensive approach to contemporary architecture, highlighting the importance of creating spaces that enhance community life while respecting their environment.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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