Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Multifunctional Community Space

Author:
Ainsleigh Jane Douglas
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Multifunctional Community Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the community facility seamlessly integrates sustainable materials to create versatile spaces for engagement and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and an aesthetic connection to the natural surroundings.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to a lightweight structure while ensuring strong, open interior spaces.
03
The facility features a bent A-frame design that maximizes vertical space and fosters a sense of openness.
04
Sustainable landscape elements integrate outdoor terraces with native plantings, promoting biodiversity and user interaction with nature.
05
Flexible interior spaces are designed to adapt to various community functions, from small meetings to larger events without compromising aesthetics.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of space, function, and context. It serves as a multifunctional facility designed to accommodate various community activities, emphasizing a sense of place and engagement for its users. The design concept centers around the idea of creating a welcoming environment that fosters interaction and connectivity while addressing practical needs.

The layout is characterized by a series of interconnected spaces that flow seamlessly into one another, encouraging movement and exploration. Each space is intentionally designed to serve specific functions, including communal areas, private meeting rooms, and flexible event spaces. This thoughtful organization allows for a range of activities to take place simultaneously, from small gatherings to larger events, all within a cohesive architectural framework.

A key feature of the project is its architectural expression, which utilizes a blend of modern and contextual design elements. The facade is particularly notable, employing a combination of materials that harmoniously relate to the surrounding environment. The use of natural materials, such as locally sourced stone and sustainable timber, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reinforces the project's commitment to environmental responsibility. These choices reflect a sensitivity to the local context and a desire to create an architecture that resonates with the community.

Light plays an integral role in the overall design, with strategic window placements and skylights that invite natural illumination into the interior spaces. This emphasis on transparency fosters a connection between the indoors and outdoors, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages social interaction. The careful consideration of sightlines and vistas enhances the user experience, providing visual engagement with the surrounding landscape.

Additionally, sustainable design principles are evident throughout the project. The incorporation of green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient technologies demonstrates a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. By prioritizing sustainability, the project not only addresses immediate user needs but also contributes positively to the wider ecological context.

Unique design approaches are evident in several aspects of the project. The use of modular elements allows for flexibility in space usage, enabling the facility to adapt to changing community needs. This adaptability is complemented by the thoughtful integration of outdoor spaces, including terraces and gardens, which extend the usable area and invite users to engage with nature. The landscaping has been designed collaboratively with the architecture, enhancing the overall experience and reinforcing a sense of community.

In terms of aesthetics, the project distinguishes itself through its harmonious blend of form and function. The architectural language is characterized by clean lines and a contemporary palette, thoughtfully juxtaposed with organic materials that ground the design in its natural surroundings. This careful balance creates an inviting and approachable ambiance, making the building a desirable destination for community engagement.

The project has garnered attention not only for its innovative design and functionality but also for its emphasis on fostering community relationships. It stands as a testament to the power of architecture to bring people together and nurture social connections. Each detail, from the selection of materials to the spatial organization, has been meticulously crafted to enrich the user experience and create a lasting impact within the community.

For those interested in delving deeper into the project's architectural nuances, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide additional insights into the thoughtful decisions that have shaped this significant space. Engaging with these elements will further illuminate the ideas that underpin this architecture, offering a comprehensive understanding of the project and its place within the urban fabric.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy