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 Panels in a Community-Centric Design

Author:
思言 邓
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Community-Centric Design

Project in-detail

With its distinctive charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a warm and inviting community space that seamlessly integrates sustainability and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances fire resistance while adding a textured aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and promote sustainability through eco-friendly sourcing.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural ventilation and light penetration throughout the space.
04
Community gardens incorporated into the landscape foster local biodiversity and encourage interaction among users.
05
Strategically placed overhangs help manage solar gain, contributing to energy efficiency in the overall design.
The architectural project under discussion embodies a thoughtful and well-considered design that merges functionality with aesthetic appeal. This project represents a contemporary approach to architecture, showcasing a harmonious relationship between built form and its surrounding environment. The design prioritizes both user experience and environmental considerations, marking it as a significant contribution to the landscape in which it resides.

At its core, the project serves a dual purpose—functionality and engagement with the community. It encompasses a wide range of spaces that support various activities while fostering interactions among users. The layout effectively accommodates both private and public functions, providing opportunities for socialization and collaboration. Through the careful arrangement of spaces, the design encourages movement and flow, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors and inhabitants alike.

One of the most notable aspects of the project is its innovative materiality. The use of sustainable materials underscores a commitment to ecological mindfulness. Materials such as locally sourced timber, high-performance glass, and insulating concrete are employed not only for their structural qualities but also for their aesthetic contributions. These materials work together to create a sense of warmth and approachability, while also meeting strict performance criteria. The timber, for example, adds a natural texture that contrasts beautifully with the sleek surfaces of glass, imparting a sensuous quality to the overall design.

The architectural design incorporates a variety of elements that enhance the user experience. Large windows and strategically placed openings facilitate natural light penetration, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing the ambiance of interior spaces. This connection to the outdoors is a core theme of the project, promoting well-being and a sense of belonging among its users. The integration of outdoor spaces, such as terraces and gardens, blurs the boundary between the interior and exterior, further inviting nature into everyday life.

Unique design approaches can be observed throughout the project, particularly in the form and spatial organization. The geometric layout breaks from traditional rectangular structures, opting instead for an irregular footprint that responds to site conditions and local context. This approach not only optimizes views and daylight access but also contributes to a more dynamic visual identity. The roofline, with its varied heights and angles, creates a visually stimulating profile against the skyline while providing opportunities for green roofs that enhance biodiversity.

The facade of the building is treated with careful attention to detail, balancing aesthetics with functionality. The choice of colors and textures creates a dialogue with the surrounding architecture, ensuring that the new structure respects its context while still standing out. This engagement with the local vernacular is essential in crafting a project that feels both contemporary and at home in its environment.

Moreover, the incorporation of advanced sustainability practices throughout the design underscores a commitment to responsible architecture. The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that addresses the contemporary challenges of climate change and energy consumption. Additionally, the design considers water management through the use of permeable surfaces and rainwater harvesting systems to minimize ecological impact.

The architectural project ultimately represents a synthesis of thoughtful planning, innovative design, and environmental stewardship. Through the careful selection of materials, attention to human experience, and commitment to sustainability, it successfully creates spaces that are both functional and inspiring. For those interested in exploring the project in greater depth, including the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, further investigation into its unique elements and conceptual foundations is encouraged. The exploration of these architectural ideas provides a richer understanding of the project and its contribution to contemporary architecture.
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