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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Defining a Sustainable Community Space

Authors:
Liam David Alain Bergeron, Griffen Bowers, Emma Marie Noelle Yau
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Defining a Sustainable Community Space

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the architecture creates a harmonious community space that prioritizes sustainability while offering versatile areas for engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The exterior features a unique combination of charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
02
An innovative bent A-frame design optimizes natural light while providing structural stability.
03
Community spaces are integrated with flexible layouts, allowing for multiple uses and gatherings.
04
Local materials were sourced to reduce environmental impact and foster a connection to the surrounding area.
05
Vertical gardens are incorporated into the design, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality.
The architectural project in focus presents a unique synthesis of form, function, and locale, reflecting a thoughtful approach to contemporary design. Nestled within its geographical context, the project exemplifies a seamless integration of natural surroundings and built environment, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

At its core, the architecture serves a dual purpose: it not only fulfills the functional requirements of its intended use but also embodies an aesthetic that resonates with the cultural and historical narrative of the area. The design emphasizes open spaces, fostering interaction among individuals while simultaneously providing areas for solitude and reflection. This balance is essential in catering to the diverse needs of users, whether they are engaging in communal activities or seeking personal moments of respite.

Materiality plays a significant role in the overall design, contributing to the project's identity and performance. A careful selection of materials—such as locally sourced timber, reinforced concrete, and glass—has been made to establish a dialogue with the environment. Timber not only brings warmth to the spaces but also enhances the connection to nature, while concrete provides structural integrity and durability. The extensive use of glass facilitates transparency, inviting natural light into interior spaces and offering visual connections to the outdoors. Such decisions in materiality reflect both an ecological awareness and an intention to create a harmonious relationship between the inside and outside.

The design process showcases an innovative use of architectural elements, including extensive overhangs, green roofs, and vertical landscaping. These features not only serve functional purposes, such as shading and insulation but also enhance the environmental performance of the building. The integration of greenery into the architecture not only helps to reduce heat retention but also promotes biodiversity and encourages a sense of wellbeing among users.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project's spatial organization. The layout thoughtfully considers circulation paths, enabling an intuitive flow from one area to another. This fluidity allows for varied interactions, whether within communal facilities or private spaces. The project also introduces flexible room configurations, accommodating a range of activities and allowing for adaptable use over time.

In addressing the project’s visual identity, the interplay of proportions and massing establishes a dynamic profile. The façade, characterized by a rhythmic pattern of openings, is both inviting and functional, responding to climatic conditions while enhancing user comfort. The careful manipulation of volumes allows for differentiation within the building while maintaining a cohesive overall appearance.

As the architectural narrative unfolds, one becomes aware of how the design respects and amplifies the site’s natural characteristics. The project embraces the landscape, utilizing topography to enhance accessibility and creating direct connections to outdoor spaces. Terraces and patios extend the usable area, inviting users to experience the surroundings in an immersive manner.

The intersection of architecture, environmental responsibility, and user experience in this project sets it apart from conventional designs. The intentional focus on sustainable practices, a dedication to local materials, and an emphasis on community engagement create a robust framework that elevates the overall quality of the built environment.

For those interested in delving deeper into this architectural endeavor, a more comprehensive exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and design concepts is encouraged. Engaging with the project's detailed documentation will provide further insights into the thoughtful design choices and innovative solutions that underscore its significance in contemporary architecture.
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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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