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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Multifunctional Community Hub

Authors:
Mohammad Ali Ahmed Abousamra, Mahmoud Mohammad Abdrabboh Taha, Haidy Nasser, Sara Hossam Ali Mahmoud Khidr
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Multifunctional Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design embraces a seamless integration with its surroundings while serving as a dynamic community hub for social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced charred wooden shingles to enhance fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity and reduce construction time.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Integrates smart building systems for energy efficiency and user comfort.
05
Blends seamlessly with the landscape, promoting a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The architectural project under examination represents a thoughtful integration of form and function, responding adeptly to its geographical context while embodying an innovative approach to design. Situated in a verdant landscape, the project accentuates a harmonious relationship with its surroundings, creating a space that not only serves its users but also enhances the existing environment. The design emphasizes sustainability and efficiency, reflecting contemporary architectural ideals that prioritize ecological responsibility.

At its core, the project serves as a multifunctional space, catering to various community needs while fostering social interaction. This versatility is achieved through careful planning and zoning, allowing for distinct areas designated for different functions, such as communal gathering, individual reflection, and active collaboration. Each segment is designed to facilitate a specific activity, driving the overall synergy within the architectural framework. The flow between these spaces is seamless, promoting a sense of engagement and accessibility among users.

The design showcases a variety of materials that contribute to both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, tempered glass for transparency and natural light exposure, and locally sourced stone to ground the building in its environment. These choices not only serve practical purposes but also convey a visual narrative about the locality, reflecting a commitment to using materials that resonate with the region’s character.

Unique to this project is its emphasis on natural light and ventilation, achieved through strategically placed windows and open spaces that invite the outside in. The architecture employs a series of skylights and large openings that minimize artificial lighting needs during daytime hours. This design element not only enhances energy efficiency but also creates a dynamic, ever-changing interior atmosphere as light interacts with various surfaces throughout the day.

Landscape integration is another critical aspect of the project, with exterior spaces designed to complement the building. The surrounding greenery interacts playfully with architectural forms, blurring the lines between inside and outside. Pathways meander through the site, encouraging exploration and movement, while green roofs contribute to biodiversity and manage stormwater runoff effectively. The project's landscaping is intentional, serving both ecological functions and recreational opportunities for visitors.

Another notable approach in the design is the incorporation of technology to enhance user experience. Smart building systems are integrated to monitor and manage energy consumption, ensuring a sustainable lifecycle for the structure. This fusion of technology and architecture enables responsiveness to user needs while emphasizing the project’s overall environmental ethos.

Overall, this architectural endeavor encapsulates a cohesive vision that embraces modernity while respecting traditional craftsmanship. The project invites users to engage with their surroundings actively, fostering a sense of community and belonging. By reflecting on the relationship between architecture and the environment, this design exemplifies best practices in sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic integration.

Prospective readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project details, including architectural plans and sections that illustrate the meticulous thought process behind the design choices. Further exploration of the architectural designs and ideas that shaped this project will provide invaluable insights into contemporary practices in architecture. In embracing these elements, one can better appreciate the nuances that make this project a relevant case study in the field of modern architectural design.
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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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