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Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façade Create a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Philip Christopher O'shaughnessy, Natalie Jones
Charred Wooden Shingles and Glass Façade Create a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and an expansive glass façade, the design creates a seamless connection with its surroundings while serving as a multifunctional community hub that fosters interaction and local engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
An extensive glass façade maximizes natural light while fostering transparency with the surrounding environment.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to create a lightweight yet structurally robust framework.
04
The bent A-frame design not only elevates the visual profile but also improves energy efficiency by optimizing airflow.
05
Flexible interior spaces can be easily adapted to host a variety of community activities and events.
This project represents a thoughtful exploration of contemporary architecture, merging functionality with an aesthetic sensibility that responds to its environment. The design is conceived primarily as a multifunctional space aimed at fostering community engagement while reflecting the cultural context of its geographical setting. By utilizing a blend of cutting-edge and traditional design techniques, the project stands as a testament to the dialogue between modern living and localized architectural practices.

The building's exterior features a façade that employs a combination of glass, metal, and wood. The glass elements serve to create a transparent interface with the surroundings, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces and enhancing the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. This transparency fosters an inviting atmosphere, encouraging interaction among visitors and providing a visual link to the adjacent landscape. The metal accents strategically placed throughout the design not only serve esthetic purposes but also contribute to the durability and sustainability of the structure, ensuring it withstands the test of time while maintaining a contemporary appearance.

The use of natural wood elements in various parts of the building introduces warmth and texture, creating a balance against the more industrial metal features. This thoughtful material combination emphasizes a sense of harmony within the design, as wood brings a tactile quality that contrasts effectively with the sleekness of glass and metal. These materials have been chosen not only for their visual properties but also to resonate with the local climate and conditions, supporting the project’s commitment to sustainability.

Internally, the spatial organization is intuitive and adaptable, ensuring that the project meets a variety of communal needs. The design incorporates flexible spaces that can be reconfigured for diverse uses, from workshops and exhibitions to meetings and social gatherings. This adaptability speaks to the project’s intent to serve as a hub for community activity and interaction, promoting inclusivity. Large, open areas allow for gatherings, while smaller, intimate spaces are available for focused discussions or private events.

Access is a key consideration within the project. Thoughtful circulation paths are designed to facilitate ease of movement, ensuring that all areas of the building are reachable for users of varying abilities. The entrances are clearly defined, while outdoor pathways create a welcoming approach to the building. The landscaping complements the architectural design, with regional plant species selected for their low maintenance and environmental benefits. This further reinforces the project’s commitment to sustainability and ecological awareness.

Unique approaches in the design can be observed in the integration of smart technology and sustainable building practices. The project incorporates energy-efficient lighting and climate control systems, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint while enhancing user comfort. These technologies are seamlessly woven into the architecture, demonstrating a commitment to innovation in creating spaces that are both functional and mindful of their environmental impact.

Additionally, the project showcases an exceptional attention to detail in its architectural finishes. From carefully curated selections of interior materials to the consideration of acoustic performance in communal areas, every aspect of the design is executed with precision and thoughtfulness. The interplay of textures and colors throughout the interior spaces creates a cohesive aesthetic while supporting the overall function of the project.

This architectural endeavor stands as a reflection of modern design principles rooted in the context of its environment, offering a space that is both functional and visually appealing. The interplay between materials, the innovative use of technology, and the flexible spatial organization results in a project that successfully meets contemporary needs while being deeply connected to its locale.

For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and other detailed architectural designs will provide additional insights into the thoughtful considerations made throughout the design process. Engaging with these elements can offer a clearer picture of how the architectural ideas are expressed in practice.
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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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