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Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Shape a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Bogdan - Alexandru Simionescu, Andreea - Viorica Simionescu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Green Roofs Shape a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles complementing green roofs, this community hub seamlessly integrates sustainable materials and innovative design, providing a welcoming space for social interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Integrating green roofs to support biodiversity and improve energy efficiency.
03
Employing cross-laminated timber panels for both structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Featuring a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and ventilation.
05
Creating flexible interior spaces that adapt to various community activities.
The project under review is a multifaceted architectural design that conveys a strong sense of purpose and community engagement. Nestled within its geographical context, the architecture reflects an understanding of local culture, environment, and functionality. Central to the design is the intention to provide a space that not only meets the practical needs of its users but also fosters social interaction and a sense of place.

This architectural endeavor serves a dual purpose: it functions as a community hub while embodying a narrative that resonates with the users. The building's layout is meticulously planned to create fluidity between different spaces, ensuring that each area effectively supports the activities intended to take place within it. The integration of natural light plays a crucial role in the overall experience, as expansive windows and strategically placed skylights invite sunlight into the interior, enhancing the ambiance and reducing the need for artificial lighting. This not only creates a warm and inviting environment but also aligns with sustainable design practices.

The project's design incorporates a range of materials, each selected for its aesthetic and functional properties. For the building’s structure, the use of reinforced concrete provides durability and stability while allowing for innovative forms and shapes. Additionally, the choice of glass elements promotes transparency, establishing a connection between the indoors and outdoors. This visual interaction encourages a stronger relationship with the surrounding landscape, further emphasizing the architecture’s contextual relevance.

One of the standout features of this project is its unique approach to outdoor spaces. The architects designed a series of terraces and green roofs, which serve as extensions of the interior areas. These outdoor spaces not only provide areas for leisure and recreation but also contribute to biodiversity and improve air quality. The careful selection of landscaping elements complements the architectural forms, creating harmonious transitions between built environments and nature.

Interior spaces are thoughtfully arranged to facilitate a variety of activities. Common areas are designed to promote social interaction, featuring flexible layouts that can accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger community events. The aesthetics within the space focus on natural finishes, including reclaimed wood and stone, which add warmth and texture. This choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and ties the architecture back to its environmental roots.

Furthermore, the project employs energy-efficient systems that reduce its ecological footprint without compromising comfort and usability. Elements such as high-performance insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and rainwater harvesting reflect a foresight in resource management, which is becoming increasingly important in contemporary architectural practice.

Unique design approaches manifest in the treatment of facades, which are articulated to break down the building's mass and create visual interest while maintaining a cohesive architectural language. This not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also provides functional shading that reduces solar gain and contributes to energy savings.

The architecture speaks to a broader narrative about community wellness and environmental responsibility. It invites users to engage with their surroundings actively and promotes a culture of sustainability through its design choices and material applications. By focusing on both aesthetic beauty and practical function, this project illustrates how architecture can serve the needs of its community while respecting environmental constraints.

For those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs offers valuable insights into the thoughtful decisions that shaped its realization. The project's presentation serves as a resource to understand the interplay of function, form, and context in contemporary architectural practice.
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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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