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 Define a Community-Centric Space

Author:
Raynatus Kamus
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Community-Centric Space

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and robust cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a welcoming community space that seamlessly integrates into its surroundings while promoting social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to achieve greater structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light entry and spatial dynamics.
04
Integrates outdoor terraces that promote interaction with the surrounding landscape.
05
Designed with passive ventilation strategies to support energy efficiency and comfort.
The architectural project under analysis presents a thoughtful integration of form, function, and environment, embodying a design ethos that prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and practicality. At its core, the project represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional architecture, adapted to meet the demands of modern living while remaining sensitive to its surroundings.

Functionally, the building serves multiple purposes, accommodating diverse activities that facilitate community interaction and individual needs. It includes designated spaces for work, leisure, and social engagement, reflecting the increasingly blurred lines between these facets of life in today's urban settings. The design encourages fluid movement between areas, promoting collaboration and fostering a sense of belonging among its occupants.

A notable feature of the project is its spatial organization, which showcases a harmonious flow between public and private zones. Entryways are designed to be inviting, establishing a warm welcome for visitors while allowing for seamless transitions into larger common areas. These spaces are characterized by high ceilings and ample natural light, achieved through strategically placed windows that open the interior to the outside environment. This thoughtful design approach not only enhances the building's connectivity with nature but also supports psychological well-being by emphasizing light and openness.

Material selection plays a crucial role in defining the project's character. The use of reinforced concrete provides structural durability, enabling the creation of expansive, open spaces without compromising safety. This is complemented by the introduction of glass elements that maximize transparency and visibility, connecting interior spaces with the landscape. The presence of natural timber elements adds a layer of warmth, balancing the industrial feel of concrete and steel with organic textures. The careful combination of these materials reflects a commitment to sustainability, where every element is not only functional but also ecologically responsible.

Unique design strategies are evident throughout the project. One approach involves the integration of green technologies, such as solar panels and green roofs, which contribute to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. Additionally, the architects have prioritized passive design principles, utilizing natural ventilation and daylighting to enhance energy performance while maintaining comfort for users. The incorporation of outdoor areas is another significant element, with terraces and gardens designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, encouraging outdoor activities and enhancing the overall aesthetic experience of the site.

In terms of architectural language, the project embodies a contemporary style characterized by clean lines and minimal ornamentation, allowing the materials and function to take center stage. This restrained yet elegant vocabulary resonates with the architectural context of its geographical setting, honoring local traditions while boldly pushing boundaries. The creative manipulation of volume and mass lends dynamism to the overall form, creating a structure that responds thoughtfully to its environment while standing as a modern architectural landmark.

Beyond its physical attributes, the project embodies broader ideas related to community and connectivity. By designing spaces that encourage interaction among users, the architecture promotes a sense of place and belonging, essential in today’s fragmented urban landscapes. The focus on communal areas reflects a growing awareness of the need for environments that foster social engagement and collaboration, aligning with contemporary societal values.

For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this architectural endeavor, reviewing the architectural plans, designs, and sections will provide deeper insights into the thought processes and innovative ideas that shaped this project. Engaging with these elements will reveal the meticulous attention to detail and the underlying principles that govern this contemporary work, offering a richer understanding of its significance in the field of architecture.
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