Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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

Author:
Claire Gruber
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Blending charred wooden shingles with cross-laminated timber, the design creates a striking synergy of durability and warmth while serving as a versatile community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance, reflecting a traditional Japanese technique.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while ensuring rapid assembly and reduced environmental impact.
03
A unique bent A-frame roof design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the interior spaces.
04
The project integrates a rainwater harvesting system, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency in daily operations.
05
Landscaping features native plants that require minimal maintenance while supporting local biodiversity.
The architectural project at hand exemplifies a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context, situated in [specific geographical location]. This project represents not just a physical structure, but a vision that supports its environment and community, resonating deeply with the local culture and natural landscape. The design serves multiple functions, providing spaces that cater to both individual needs and communal interactions.

The architecture of the project is characterized by a deliberate blend of modern aesthetics and traditional elements that reflect the identity of the area. Its overall form is carefully articulated, balancing light and shadow through strategically placed openings and canopies. The design emphasizes transparency and connection to the outdoors, inviting natural light to filter into the interior spaces while offering residents views of the surrounding landscape. This effective use of glass juxtaposes with robust materials, providing a balance that is both visually appealing and functional.

Key components of the project include [specific key areas, e.g., open communal spaces, individual rooms, and multifunctional areas]. The layout encourages fluid movement throughout the spaces, promoting interaction among users. Common areas are designed to facilitate social engagement, featuring flexible seating arrangements and gathering zones that can adapt to various community events. Private areas are equally well-considered, offering comfort and privacy while maintaining a connection to the larger context of the building.

Materiality plays a central role in the overall design approach, showcasing a range of carefully chosen elements that contribute to sustainability and durability. Concrete forms the backbone of the structure, providing solid support while enhancing thermal mass. Wood accents add warmth and texture, creating inviting interiors that enhance the user experience. Brickwork, reminiscent of the local vernacular, not only speaks to the region’s architectural history but also ensures resilience against the elements. With the incorporation of metal elements, the project reflects contemporary design sensibilities, highlighting precision and craftsmanship.

Unique design approaches within the project manifest in various ways. One notable feature is the focus on sustainability; elements such as green roofs, rainwater collection systems, and energy-efficient installations demonstrate a commitment to environmentally conscious architecture. The building orientation has been carefully considered to maximize natural heating and cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. This focus on sustainability ensures that the architecture harmonizes with the environment rather than competing against it.

Furthermore, the integration of smart technology enhances the overall functionality of the space, allowing for greater control over energy usage, lighting, and security. This incorporation speaks to modern living requirements, ensuring that the architecture caters not just to aesthetic values but also to practical necessities.

As you explore this project presentation, delve into the architectural plans and sections that illustrate the meticulous thought process behind each design decision. Understanding the architectural designs and ideas that inform this project reveals a narrative intertwined with the aspirations of the community and the natural surroundings. This project invites you to engage with its spaces, embodying a physical manifestation of thoughtful architecture that prioritizes user experience, environmental sensitivity, and cultural relevance. For a comprehensive insight into its expression and functionality, take a closer look at the architectural elements presented.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy