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Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Timber Create a Community Hub Emphasizing Sustainability

Authors:
Matthew Moran, Daniel Rojas, Ali Aslam, Ted Hammer
Charred Wooden Shingles and Reclaimed Timber Create a Community Hub Emphasizing Sustainability

Project in-detail

Combining the warmth of reclaimed timber with the striking presence of charred wooden shingles, the design fosters a vibrant community space that prioritizes sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates a bent A-frame design that enhances spatial dynamics and creates distinct interior volumes.
02
Charred wooden shingles not only provide a robust exterior finish but also improve weather resistance and fire safety.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels were utilized to ensure sustainability while allowing for quicker construction timelines.
04
Integrative outdoor spaces are designed to foster community interaction, seamlessly blending with the natural surroundings.
05
The project emphasizes local craftsmanship, utilizing regionally sourced materials that reflect the area’s cultural heritage.
The architectural project under discussion embodies a thoughtful blend of functionality and aesthetic sensibility, aiming to address the needs of its intended users while harmonizing with its environment. This architecture not only serves a specific purpose but also represents a well-considered response to contextual factors, particularly the geographical and cultural characteristics of its location.

At its core, the project is designed to fulfill a unique function defined by its users' requirements, encompassing elements that facilitate interaction, communication, and community engagement. Each aspect of the design contributes to an overall narrative that promotes a sense of place, drawing from local traditions and modern architectural practices to create a cohesive identity.

The layout of the project is characterized by thoughtfully organized spaces that cater to various activities. Open-plan areas complement smaller, more intimate zones, allowing for both collaboration and privacy. This architectural choice reflects contemporary trends in design that favor versatility and adaptability. The careful juxtaposition of different room types showcases the project’s multifunctionality, ensuring that users can seamlessly transition from one activity to another throughout their day.

Materiality plays a significant role in the character of the project, with a selection of materials that not only facilitate the building's structural integrity but also speak to the thematic concept underpinning the design. The use of sustainable materials emphasizes environmental consideration, with elements such as reclaimed wood, steel, and glass coming together to form a dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces. The design elements are not merely aesthetic choices; they contribute to the building's overall sustainability and ecological footprint, reducing the impact on the surrounding environment.

The integration of natural light is a noteworthy feature of this architectural endeavor, where large windows and strategically placed openings allow sunlight to permeate the interior. This deliberate design choice enhances the ambiance of communal areas while fostering a connection to nature. Additionally, outdoor spaces are thoughtfully incorporated, providing users with tranquil areas to gather and reflect.

Unique design approaches manifest throughout the project, particularly in the way it addresses the challenges posed by its surroundings. The incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens is an innovative response to urban density, promoting biodiversity while also moderating temperature and improving air quality. This not only enhances user experience but also aligns with broader urban sustainability goals.

Moreover, the project reflects an embedded understanding of its cultural and social context. Incorporating local craftsmanship and traditional techniques serves to strengthen community ties, allowing the architecture to resonate with its users on a deeper level. This respect for cultural heritage is evident in the design's motifs, finishes, and overall aesthetic, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.

The project also prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that all users can navigate the space with ease. This consideration reflects a modern understanding of inclusivity in architecture, emphasizing that spaces should cater to diverse populations without barriers.

To gain deeper insights into this compelling architectural design, it is highly recommended to explore the architectural plans, sections, and visual representations that illustrate the project's intricate details. By engaging with these elements, one can appreciate how the architectural ideas are carefully articulated throughout the design, demonstrating a commitment to quality and user-centered thinking.

As the architecture continues to evolve, this project stands as a testament to the potential of thoughtful design to enhance human experience through innovative solutions. For those interested in understanding the nuances of this exceptional project, delving into the architectural documentation will provide a comprehensive examination of its principles and outcomes.
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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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