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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define an Adaptive Community Hub

Authors:
Pablo Espinal henao, Erin Jeong
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define an Adaptive Community Hub

Project in-detail

With its distinctive charred wooden shingles and innovative cross-laminated timber structure, this community hub seamlessly balances sustainable design with vibrant social interaction, creating a welcoming space for all.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainability and structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and visual interest.
04
Designed for modular assembly, allowing flexibility in location and use.
05
Serves as a versatile gathering space, adapting to various community activities.
The Lantern Coffee House represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and community function, designed to serve as a welcoming space within urban environments. This project, characterized by its innovative approach, aims to foster interaction and engagement among users while providing a comfortable setting for social gatherings. The architectural design reflects a clear intention to enhance the public realm, reinforcing the importance of community-centric spaces in contemporary urban life.

At the heart of the Lantern Coffee House is its function as a multi-purpose venue, serving not only as a café but also as an informal meeting point for locals. The design allows for flexible use, accommodating various activities such as casual meetings, community events, and simply a place for individuals to gather and socialize. This versatility is crucial in today’s urban fabric, where the need for shared spaces continues to grow. The architectural plan features an open layout that encourages flow and movement, making it accessible for all users.

The distinctive form of the Lantern Coffee House draws inspiration from traditional lanterns, symbolizing warmth and community. Its triangular silhouette not only captures attention but also contributes to the overall architectural narrative. The wooden structure, primarily composed of engineered timber, provides an inviting aesthetic that aligns with natural elements, promoting a sense of comfort. Furthermore, the choice of materials extends beyond aesthetics, emphasizing sustainability and ecological considerations in the building process. Steel elements contribute structural integrity, while extensive use of glass in the design facilitates natural light penetration, enhancing the interior environment.

Important design details include the thoughtful integration of slanted roof beams, which serve a dual purpose. These beams provide essential sun shading to ensure user comfort during warmer months while allowing for an artistic expression that infuses the structure with character. The innovative design also includes modules that can adapt in response to seasonal changes, showcasing an intelligent response to the varying climatic conditions urban settings typically face.

Another unique feature of the Lantern Coffee House is its portability, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. This modular aspect opens up opportunities for the space to be relocated or modified based on specific community needs or site-specific conditions. The adaptability in design exemplifies a modern architectural idea where spaces are not confined but can evolve along with user demands.

This project stands out not only for its functional capabilities but also for its clear intent to serve the surrounding community. By offering a robust yet flexible social space, the Lantern Coffee House invites dialogue and interaction, embodying the principles of good urban design. As interest in shared spaces rises, the project sets a standard for future architectural endeavors that prioritize sustainability, functionality, and community connection.

For readers interested in a deeper understanding of the Lantern Coffee House, exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs will provide additional insights into the thoughtful ideas that shaped this project. This exploration can reveal how design choices were meticulously crafted to ensure the building resonates with its users while serving its intended function effectively.
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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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