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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Versatile Community Hub

Authors:
Saumya Sampat, Bridgette Macilwaine, Pawel Markiewicz
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Versatile Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a dynamic community hub that emphasizes sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame design that enhances spatial efficiency.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles to improve durability and reduce maintenance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide exceptional structural strength and insulation.
04
Integrates outdoor classroom spaces to facilitate learning in a natural environment.
05
Employs locally sourced materials to resonate with the surrounding community ethos.
The project under analysis represents a thoughtful exploration of contemporary architectural design, emphasizing functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic coherence. Designed for a specific geographic location, the architecture integrates seamlessly into its surroundings, promoting an enhanced connection between the built environment and the natural landscape. This project highlights the importance of contextuality in architecture, showcasing how thoughtful design can enrich the experience of users while simultaneously honoring the characteristics of the site.

At its core, the design serves a multifunctional purpose, serving as a hub for community interaction and engagement. This functionality is central to the architectural vision, as it aims to foster social connections and provide spaces for various activities, including leisure, education, and gatherings. The spatial organization facilitates movement and interaction, with an open layout that invites exploration and encourages community participation. Each area is defined thoughtfully, balancing public and private zones while ensuring that the transitions between them feel natural and intuitive.

Materiality plays a crucial role in defining the architectural expression of the project. A careful selection of materials reflects both the local context and the overarching goals of sustainability. The use of sustainable materials not only minimizes the environmental impact but also enhances the project's longevity. Specific materials, including concrete, wood, glass, and metal, have been chosen for their durability and aesthetic attributes. Concrete provides strength and resilience, serving as a structural backbone, while wood introduces warmth and a tactile quality that softens the overall appearance. Large expanses of glass facilitate natural light penetration, creating an inviting atmosphere and reducing reliance on artificial lighting, thus lowering energy consumption. The use of metal elements adds a modern touch, contributing to a sleek and polished finish that complements the other materials.

The architectural design embraces innovative approaches to spatial organization and environmental integration. The layout is characterized by fluidity, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside spaces. This design strategy maximizes natural ventilation and encourages passive solar heating, making the building not only functional but also energy-efficient. Green roofs and walls contribute to biodiversity, offering habitats to local flora and fauna while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the structure. These design details underscore a commitment to environmental stewardship, illustrating how architecture can cultivate a sense of place while addressing global sustainability challenges.

Unique to this project is the incorporation of community feedback into the design process, ensuring that the final outcome resonates with its intended users. This participatory approach has resulted in a design that reflects the values and needs of the community, enhancing its relevance and functionality. Not only does this practice enrich the user experience, but it also fosters a sense of ownership among the residents, strengthening their connection to the space.

As visitors engage with the architecture, they will discover thoughtfully designed spaces that cater to a variety of needs. Community gathering areas, educational spaces, and quiet nooks for reflection all coexist harmoniously, inviting individuals to experience the space in unique ways. The careful consideration of circulation paths enhances accessibility, ensuring that the project is welcoming to all.

In summary, this architectural project embodies a commitment to functionality, sustainability, and community engagement. The thoughtful integration of materials, spaces, and design strategies reflects a deep understanding of the site and its users. By exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs presented, readers can gain deeper insights into the innovative ideas that shaped this project and appreciate the effort to create a meaningful space within the community. For those interested in architectural design, this project serves as a compelling example of how thoughtful design can lead to environments that not only meet functional needs but also enhance the quality of life for their users.
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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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