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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Community Space

Authors:
Alma Vander molen, Anna Vander molen, Mark Molen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Community Space

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber construction, the design elegantly blends into the surrounding landscape while creating inviting spaces for community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for their sustainable qualities and structural efficiency.
03
A bent A-frame structure allows for optimal natural light penetration and expansive interior spaces.
04
Landscaping features native plants that require minimal maintenance and support local biodiversity.
05
The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces fosters a seamless transition between the built environment and nature.
The architectural project under analysis emerges as a thoughtful interplay of function, aesthetics, and context. It exemplifies the principles of contemporary design while addressing specific needs and embracing the surrounding environment. This project serves a dual purpose: it not only fulfills practical requirements but also encourages a connection between its users and the natural landscape.

At its core, this architecture embodies a harmonious relationship between built form and the environment. The structure is thoughtfully positioned to maximize views while minimizing its footprint on the site. This consideration reveals a sensitivity toward the ecological impacts of construction and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability that is increasingly relevant in today's architectural discourse. The integration of the project into its geographical location enhances its identity, allowing it to resonate with the cultural and environmental nuances of the area.

The design demonstrates a unique approach to spatial organization, emphasizing both openness and intimacy. Interior spaces are arranged in a way that encourages movement and interaction, while also providing cozy areas for retreat. This careful balancing act between communal and private zones is indicative of modern living, where flexibility and adaptability play crucial roles. By allocating spaces for various activities, including collaboration and solitude, the architecture promotes a sense of community without sacrificing personal comfort.

In discussing the materiality of the project, a diverse palette is employed to reinforce the design's intentions. Local materials are favored to foster a connection with the landscape, ensuring that the structure feels as though it belongs to its surroundings. The use of timber provides warmth and texture, while stone elements contribute to stability and grounding. Large expanses of glass facilitate an abundance of natural light and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor environments, supporting an ethos of transparency and openness.

Unique design strategies are also evident in the project’s roof form and facade articulation. The roof has been meticulously conceived to serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing shelter while referencing regional architectural styles. Furthermore, the facade is characterized by its rhythmic cadence of materials and openings, resulting in a dynamic play of shadow and light throughout the day. This not only enhances the visual endowment of the building but also responds to climatic conditions, offering passive design solutions that reduce the reliance on mechanical systems.

Landscaping plays an essential role in this architectural narrative, as outdoor spaces are integrated seamlessly with indoor environments. The use of native plants and the careful layout of pathways create a dialogue between architecture and nature, inviting visitors to explore and appreciate the tranquility of their surroundings. This careful attention to landscape further underscores the project's commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing user experience.

Moreover, the architectural details showcase a meticulous consideration for craftsmanship. Each element, from handrails to window placements, has been designed with purpose, reflecting both functionality and aesthetics. Such detailing not only serves practical purposes but also contributes to the overall narrative of the architecture, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in its users.

In analyzing this architectural endeavor, it is clear that the project stands as a testament to modern design principles grounded in contextual awareness and user-centered approaches. The thoughtful integration of materials, innovative spatial organization, and responsive landscaping come together to create a compelling vision of architecture that respects its environment while delivering on functionality. For those interested in deepening their understanding of this project, exploring its architectural plans, sections, designs, and underlying ideas can reveal nuanced insights that contribute to the overall appreciation of this work. Engaging with these elements allows for a fuller exploration of the project’s impact and the architectural decisions that shaped it.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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