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Community Center Emphasizing Sustainable Design with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Shingles

Authors:
Matteo Cascini, Federica gabriella Antonini, Ilaria Capece
Community Center Emphasizing Sustainable Design with Cross-Laminated Timber and Charred Wood Shingles

Project in-detail

This community center seamlessly integrates cross-laminated timber and charred wood shingles into its sustainable design, creating adaptable spaces that foster connection while harmonizing with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The use of charred wooden shingles not only enhances the building's aesthetic but also provides natural fire resistance and durability against the elements.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are strategically employed for their strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for expansive open spaces without the need for intrusive structural supports.
03
A bent A-frame design lends a unique silhouette to the structure while optimizing natural light and ventilation throughout the interior.
04
The integration of green roof systems promotes biodiversity and helps with stormwater management, contributing to the building's sustainability goals.
05
Community spaces are tailored for versatility, enabling a range of activities from large gatherings to intimate workshops, fostering social interaction and engagement.
The project under analysis exemplifies a thoughtful and innovative approach to contemporary architecture, seamlessly integrating functionality with aesthetic considerations. This design represents a harmonious interaction between built structures and their surrounding environment, reflecting the values and needs of the community it serves. The architectural intention is to create a space that not only meets the practical demands of its users but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the locale.

The functional aspect of this project is key, as it addresses specific requirements while allowing for flexible use of the space. The layout is carefully orchestrated, ensuring that each area serves its intended purpose efficiently without compromising the overall flow. The thoughtful arrangement of zones facilitates movement and encourages engagement among users. For example, public areas are designed to be welcoming and accessible, while private spaces are laid out for comfort and contemplation.

In terms of materiality, the project utilizes a carefully considered palette that speaks to both durability and sustainability. Materials are chosen not only for their structural properties but also for their ability to convey a certain atmosphere. The use of locally sourced stone, for instance, grounds the project in its geographic context, while large expanses of glass create visual transparency and bring natural light into the interior spaces. This interplay of materials enhances the sensory experience within the architecture, promoting a dialogue between the indoors and outdoors.

The architectural design employs unique strategies that challenge conventional approaches while respecting the environment. For example, the incorporation of green roofing systems not only contributes to energy efficiency but also integrates vegetation into the urban landscape. This not only serves functional purposes like insulation and stormwater management but also provides ecological benefits, enhancing urban biodiversity. Additionally, passive design elements are woven throughout the project, maximizing natural ventilation and daylighting to reduce reliance on mechanical systems.

Every important detail within the design has been crafted with precision, from the scale of windows that frame picturesque views to the textures introduced through cladding materials. The intersection of different architectural elements creates a layered complexity, inviting closer examination from visitors. Unique features, such as customized fixtures and creative landscaping, further enrich the project, creating an overall sense of coherence and intentionality.

The architectural ideas presented in this project reveal a commitment to sustainability and user-centered design. By prioritizing these ideals, the project sets a benchmark for future developments in the region, demonstrating how architecture can thoughtfully engage with its context. Investors, community members, and stakeholders are encouraged to consider how such projects could redefine expectations and serve as a catalyst for positive change.

To explore further, viewers are invited to delve into the architectural plans and sections that depict these concepts in greater depth. Detailed architectural designs and insights into the project's underlying architectural ideas can enrich understanding of how these thoughtful choices come together to form a cohesive narrative. By examining these facets, one can appreciate the intricate connections that underpin this architectural endeavor and its significance within the broader community context.
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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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