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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Community Spaces

Authors:
Wenshan Peng, Hongyang Deng, Z K, Weiqi Fan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design fosters a deep connection with its natural surroundings while serving as a vibrant community hub for interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels were selected for their sustainability and lightweight characteristics.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light while creating dynamic interior spaces.
04
The integration of a rainwater harvesting system promotes ecological responsibility.
05
Local materials were prioritized to create a strong sense of place and community connection.
The architectural project in focus embodies a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness. Designed with a clear understanding of its geographical context, the project reflects an acute awareness of its surroundings, integrating both modern design principles and traditional influences. The overall design presents a thoughtful approach to space, where every element plays a vital role in the user experience.

At its core, the project is intended to serve as a multifunctional space, accommodating diverse activities while providing a structured environment for interaction. The layout encourages fluid movement between zones while ensuring privacy where necessary. The design promotes community engagement, presenting spaces that welcome public interaction and serve as communal gathering points. The architect has strategically positioned windows and openings to maximize natural light, thereby enhancing the overall atmosphere within the spaces. This consideration of light not only influences aesthetics but also plays a crucial role in energy efficiency.

Materiality is a significant aspect of the project, with careful selection contributing to both the functionality and the overall visual narrative. The use of materials such as reinforced concrete, glass, wood, and metal provides a tactile contrast while ensuring structural integrity. The concrete elements offer durability, while glass facades create transparency, fostering a connection between the interior and exterior landscapes. The wooden components introduce warmth, establishing a welcoming ambiance that balances modernity with comfort. Metal finishes accentuate critical design features, adding a contemporary edge that complements the overall vision.

What distinguishes this project is its unique approach to sustainability. Integrated renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting, reflect a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The site-specific landscaping further enhances the project’s sustainability profile, utilizing native plant species that thrive in the local climate. This creates not only an ecological advantage but also a visual continuity with the natural surroundings.

The design goes beyond standard architectural practices by incorporating biophilic principles, emphasizing the connection between occupants and nature. Green walls and rooftop gardens serve as visual anchors and contribute to improved air quality, fostering a healthier indoor environment. This idea of integrating nature within the built environment resonates throughout the architectural strategy, encouraging occupants to embrace outdoor activities while appreciating the serene beauty of the landscape.

The architectural forms within the project maintain a balance between geometric precision and organic fluidity. Clean lines intersect with gentle curves, embodying a rhythm that guides the eye and enhances spatial experiences. The varying heights of different sections create visual interest and encourage exploration. The design encourages users to discover hidden corners and inviting nooks, inviting a sense of curiosity and engagement with the space.

Through meticulous attention to detail, the project encompasses integrated technologies that facilitate functionality. Smart building systems enhance operational efficiency, ensuring that energy is utilized effectively without compromising comfort or aesthetic qualities. User-friendly interfaces allow occupants to interact seamlessly with the building, reinforcing a sense of control and personalization in their environment.

In considering the broader implications of this design, it becomes clear that the project functions not only as a physical structure but also as a social catalyst. By providing a space that encourages interaction and collaboration, the architecture serves to strengthen community ties, fostering a sense of belonging among its users. This focus on social wellness highlights the potential of architecture to influence human behavior positively.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural specifics of this project, exploring related elements such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will yield invaluable insights. Investigating the architectural ideas that underpin the space will enhance understanding and appreciation of the project’s thoughtful execution. The extensive attention to design outcomes not only showcases the project’s relevance in contemporary architectural discourse but also underscores its lasting contribution to the built environment. Readers are encouraged to engage further with the project presentation for a comprehensive overview of its meticulous design and functional elegance.
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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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