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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Patricia Osborne
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design seamlessly integrates sustainable materials into a multifunctional community hub that promotes social interaction and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to achieve a lightweight yet stable structure.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and spatial efficiency.
04
Integrates green roof systems to promote biodiversity and improve energy performance.
05
Designed with flexible interior spaces to accommodate a variety of communal activities.
The project in focus presents a thoughtful exploration of contemporary architecture, marrying functionality and aesthetic considerations to meet the needs of its user community. From the outset, the design aims to create a harmonious relationship between its environment and inhabitants, embodying principles of sustainability and efficiency. This architectural endeavor is characterized by a robust structural framework that serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, ensuring that every element contributes meaningfully to the overall composition.

At its core, the project serves as a multifunctional space designed to cater to a diverse set of activities. This flexibility allows it to adapt to various uses, accommodating everything from communal gatherings to private events. The design concept revolves around the idea of connectivity, both socially and spatially, facilitating interactions among users while also engaging seamlessly with its surrounding landscape. The central element of the design is a communal hub, designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration among its users. The open-plan layout invites movement and encourages spontaneous encounters, reflecting a modern approach to social architecture.

Materiality plays a critical role in the project, with carefully selected materials chosen for their sustainability and aesthetic qualities. The design employs natural stone, timber, and glass to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The use of locally sourced materials not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also roots the building in its geographical context, enhancing its overall sense of place. These materials are thoughtfully applied to a variety of surfaces, including the façade, flooring, and interior features, ensuring a cohesive visual language throughout the structure. The interplay of textures and light creates dynamic spaces that evolve throughout the day as natural light shifts, further emphasizing the connection to the environment.

The unique design approaches employed in this project are evident in its integration of passive design strategies. For instance, the orientation of the building maximizes natural light penetration while minimizing heat gain, which aids in reducing energy consumption. Large windows strategically placed along the south-facing facade illuminate interior spaces, while also providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape, promoting occupants' well-being. Additionally, the incorporation of green roofs and terraces not only enhances biodiversity but also provides additional communal spaces for occupants to engage with nature.

In terms of architectural details, the project exhibits a myriad of thoughtfully considered elements that contribute to its overall functionality. The meticulously designed entrance serves as an inviting threshold, encouraging users to engage with the space from the outset. Inside, the circulation paths are clearly defined, guiding users through various zones without feeling constricted. The interplay of open areas and more intimate nooks allows for diverse activities to coexist harmoniously.

Furthermore, environmental considerations are embraced throughout the design process. Rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels are integrated seamlessly into the architecture, ensuring that the building performs efficiently and sustainably. This commitment to eco-friendly practices resonates not only with the project’s clientele but also with broader environmental goals, reflecting a growing awareness within the architectural field regarding the importance of sustainable design.

As a result, this project stands out not just for its aesthetic contributions but also for its clear dedication to user experience and environmental stewardship. Each design decision is executed with intention, fostering not only a structure that is visually appealing but one that serves its community’s needs effectively. This project exemplifies contemporary architectural ideas, showcasing the importance of versatility and ecological consciousness in modern design.

Exploring this project further will provide a comprehensive understanding of its architectural plans, sections, and design nuances. Readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation to appreciate the full array of architectural ideas materialized within this thoughtfully designed space.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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