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

Authors:
William Patrick Ross, Seyedeh Mojgan Sadat Akhavani
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Forming a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a visually striking and environmentally sensitive community hub that fosters social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, reducing the carbon footprint of construction.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and light.
04
Integrates vertical gardens to promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Design includes flexible communal areas that adapt to various community needs.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of modern design principles with a deep respect for the surrounding environment. The structure demonstrates a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal, embodying a vision that is both practical and innovative. The project functions primarily as a community hub, offering spaces for social interaction, cultural activities, and communal gatherings. This multifaceted use emphasizes its role as a focal point for the neighborhood, promoting connectivity and engagement among its users.

In terms of design, the project features a unique open layout that invites natural light and encourages fluid movement throughout the space. Large windows and strategically placed skylights play a crucial role in enhancing the interior environment, fostering a sense of openness while also connecting the indoor areas with the outdoor landscape. This deliberate choice reflects a growing trend in architecture where the blurring of boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces creates a more immersive experience for occupants. The attention to transparency and light is complemented by the thoughtful arrangement of functional zones, which includes areas for leisure, learning, and collaboration.

Materiality is an essential aspect of the design, with the project utilizing a selection of sustainable and locally sourced materials. The combination of reclaimed wood, reinforced concrete, and glass not only reinforces the building's structural integrity but also contributes to its environmental sustainability. The use of reclaimed wood lends an organic touch to the project, adding warmth and character to the interiors while highlighting the importance of resourceful material choices. Reinforced concrete provides durability and strength, ensuring the building can withstand the test of time, while glass elements promote visual continuity and openness.

The design outcomes are particularly notable in their reflection of the community's identity and values. The architects have embraced the local context, incorporating elements that resonate with the culture and history of the area. This approach ensures that the design does not merely impose itself but rather complements the existing urban fabric. The result is a structure that feels both relevant and timeless, capable of adapting to the evolving needs of the community it serves.

Unique design approaches manifest in several aspects of the project. For instance, the integration of green roofs and vertical gardens not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also promotes biodiversity and improves air quality in the urban environment. These features signify a commitment to sustainable architecture and the well-being of the community. Additionally, the incorporation of flexible spaces allows for various configurations and uses, accommodating a wide range of activities and future adaptations.

The project's innovative use of technology is another key component, as smart building systems are integrated to enhance energy efficiency and user comfort. Automated climate control, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation systems exemplify how modern technology can support sustainable design objectives, making the building not only a place for gathering but also a model for environmental responsibility.

Readers interested in exploring more about this architectural project are encouraged to delve into its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs. Examining these elements can provide further insights into the thought processes that guided the design, as well as a closer look at how various architectural ideas converge to create a space that is both functional and reflective of its surroundings. For a deeper understanding, the full presentation of the project reveals the intricate details and the comprehensive vision behind this architectural endeavor.
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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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