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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Design in a Medium-Large Community Space

Authors:
Zainab Alami, Fidah Abdul Razak
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Design in a Medium-Large Community Space

Project in-detail

With a facade adorned in charred wooden shingles and a focus on biophilic design, the development creates a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living while serving as a vibrant community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
The facade’s charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique visual texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels were utilized to optimize structural integrity and sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
04
Green roofs incorporated with native vegetation support local biodiversity and require minimal maintenance.
05
Community gardens strategically placed promote social interaction and encourage urban agriculture.
The architectural project under review embodies a strong commitment to integrating sustainable design principles while responding sensitively to its surrounding environment. Located in an urban context marked by diverse architectural styles, the project enhances the architectural dialogue in the area, making a distinct statement about contemporary design and functionality.

This project primarily serves as a multi-use facility, combining residential units with communal spaces, retail outlets, and a small public park area. This mixed-use development aims to foster community interaction while providing residents with essential amenities and green spaces. The thoughtful arrangement of these elements illustrates a clear understanding of modern urban living, where integration and accessibility are key priorities. By blending residential, commercial, and recreational facilities, the design captures the essence of urban life, promoting a cohesive community experience.

At first glance, the project showcases a carefully considered material palette that reflects both durability and aesthetic appeal. The main structure utilizes reinforced concrete as its core material, providing robustness while ensuring longevity. Complementing the concrete, large expanses of glass are employed strategically throughout the facade, allowing natural light to permeate the interior spaces and creating a dynamic visual connection between the inside and outside. The use of timber accents adds warmth and texture, softening the starkness of concrete and glass. Additionally, sustainable materials such as recycled steel for structural elements and insulation derived from renewable sources further emphasize the project's commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

The design approach exemplifies a careful balance between functionality and aesthetic values. The architectural composition features a layered facade that incorporates balconies and terraces, enhancing the connection between internal living spaces and the external environment. This design choice promotes residents' interaction with nature, granting private outdoor areas that offer views of the nearby urban landscape. The interplay of light and shadow across the facade creates a dynamic visual experience throughout the day, changing with the passage of time and enhancing the building's presence in its setting.

Furthermore, the landscape surrounding the building has been designed with equal care. The inclusion of green roofs and vertical gardens not only contributes to the building's sustainability by improving air quality and providing insulation but also integrates biophilic design principles that promote well-being. The accessible park space is landscaped to invite community engagement, with walking paths, seating areas, and native plant species that require minimal maintenance, highlighting a sustainable approach to landscaping.

Unique to this project is its emphasis on community-building through thoughtful architectural design. The incorporation of communal spaces—such as shared kitchens, lounges, and co-working areas—encourages interaction among residents, breaking the isolation often found in urban living. This consideration aligns with current trends in architecture that prioritize social sustainability, demonstrating a commitment to creating environments that enhance social ties among residents.

This project stands out not only for its aesthetic and functional values but also for its holistic approach to community engagement and environmental responsibility. Such design decisions reflect a broader understanding of architecture as a tool for social and environmental betterment, striving to create spaces that are both livable and resilient.

To delve deeper into the architectural nuances, including detailed architectural plans, architectural sections, and diverse architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further to gain comprehensive insights into the intricate design ideas that shaped this remarkable undertaking.
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MICROHOME
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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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