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Community hub featuring cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles for enhanced sustainability

Author:
Hans juergen Schmidt-schicketanz
Community hub featuring cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles for enhanced sustainability

Project in-detail

This community hub seamlessly integrates cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, creating a sustainable space that fosters connection while harmonizing with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The building incorporates vertical gardens on its façade, enhancing biodiversity and improving air quality.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used not only for aesthetic appeal but also for fire resistance and durability.
03
A series of large clerestory windows allows for abundant natural light while minimizing heat gain.
04
The layout emphasizes adaptive reuse by preserving existing structures on the site, seamlessly integrating new and old elements.
05
An outdoor amphitheater is designed into the landscape, creating a multifunctional space for community gatherings and events.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context, reflecting contemporary design principles while addressing practical needs. This project is designed to serve as a multifaceted space, accommodating both community interaction and individual retreat. The architecture emphasizes seamless functionality and aesthetic presence, demonstrating careful attention to the surrounding environment and cultural significance.

At the core of the project is its emphasis on accessibility and sustainability. The design incorporates natural light, open spaces, and communal areas to foster a sense of belonging among users. The layout is strategically organized, allowing for both public and private interactions, with dedicated zones for various activities. This duality is reflected in the design elements, where circulation paths cleverly guide visitors through different areas while maintaining a fluid and coherent flow.

Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s overall aesthetic and functional outcomes. The choice of materials such as locally-sourced timber, recycled metals, and glass not only complements the architectural form but also underpins the commitment to sustainability. Timber, known for its warmth and inviting character, is used extensively to create a sense of connection with nature. The use of glass enhances transparency, allowing expansive views and visual continuity between interior spaces and the outdoor environment. Additionally, the incorporation of recycled metals offers durability while reducing the environmental impact of the project.

Unique design approaches are evident in the project's overall concept. For instance, biophilic design principles are integrated throughout, offering occupants a direct connection to nature. Green walls and rooftop gardens not only enhance biodiversity but also promote wellness among users by improving air quality and providing serene environments for relaxation. The design embraces local flora, contributing to the local ecosystem and creating a harmonious relationship with the landscape.

The architectural plans reveal a meticulous consideration of scale and proportion, ensuring that the building harmonizes with its surroundings rather than dominating them. Architectural sections provide insight into the thoughtful layering of spaces, with varying ceiling heights and spatial configurations that encourage exploration and discovery. Each zone within the project is delineated not just by walls, but by changes in materials, colors, and textures, enriching the user's experience.

In addition to providing functionality, the architectural design creates a platform for community engagement. The exterior spaces are designed to host public events, facilitating social interaction and cultural exchange. Features such as amphitheaters, gathering spaces, and outdoor pathways encourage spontaneous gatherings and programmed activities alike. This aspect of the project reinforces the idea that architecture is not merely a physical structure, but a catalyst for community connection and interaction.

Moreover, the architectural ideas presented in this project reflect a deep understanding of the local context, culture, and environment. By thoughtfully merging modern design with regional characteristics, the project stands out as a sensitive response to its locale. The attention to detail and the desire to resonate with the community enrich the overall narrative of the design.

As you delve deeper into the specifics of this architectural endeavor, consider exploring the architectural plans for a comprehensive understanding of the spatial organization. The architectural sections will provide valuable insights into the spatial dynamics, while the architectural designs highlight the distinctive features and functional elements that make this project noteworthy. For a complete perspective on the journey from concept to realization, be sure to review the project presentation for further details. Engaging with the myriad aspects of this architectural project will surely enhance your appreciation of its thoughtful design and functional richness.
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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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