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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Resilient Community Hub

Author:
Charlotte Avery Knox
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Resilient Community Hub

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainability through charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design establishes a harmonious community hub that invites social interaction while respecting its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels that reduce carbon footprint while providing structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes spatial efficiency and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates passive solar heating principles through strategic window placement and orientation.
05
Includes a multi-use outdoor terrace that extends the communal space into the natural landscape.
This architectural project embodies a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context, creating a space that not only serves its intended purpose but also resonates deeply with its surroundings. Set in a vibrant geographical locale, the design reflects an understanding of the local culture and climate, making it a standout example of contemporary architecture that respects its heritage while looking towards the future.

At the heart of the project lies a commitment to fostering community engagement. The building functions primarily as a communal hub, offering a variety of spaces that accommodate diverse activities and events. This design choice places emphasis on flexibility, allowing the interiors to adapt to various uses over time. Open-plan configurations, alongside strategically placed partitions, encourage interaction among users, making the architecture a facilitator of social connectivity.

The architectural form of the project is characterized by its clean lines and cohesive massing, inspired by the adjacent landscape. By utilizing materials that echo the natural environment, the design achieves a notable harmony with its surroundings. The exterior façade, composed of locally sourced stone and sustainably harvested timber, showcases craftsmanship while promoting environmental responsibility. Large expanses of glazing not only invite natural light into the interior spaces but also create visual links to the exterior, allowing occupants to appreciate the changing seasons and the vibrant life outside.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the project. The careful selection of materials extends beyond aesthetics, contributing to the building's overall performance. High-quality insulation ensures energy efficiency, while the use of environmentally friendly finishes promotes a healthy indoor environment. The integration of passive design principles—such as optimized solar orientation—illustrates the project’s commitment to sustainability without compromising its design integrity.

Unique to this project is its innovative approach to spatial organization. Public spaces are distinct from private areas, yet they are interconnected through a series of thoughtfully designed transitions. These transitions employ elements such as stepping down elevations and varying ceiling heights to create a dynamic experience as users navigate the spaces. Key areas, such as community gathering zones and multifunctional rooms, are highlighted through differentiated materials and textures, inviting exploration and engagement.

Furthermore, the project incorporates outdoor spaces as an extension of the interior, designed for both recreation and relaxation. Landscaped terraces and courtyards invite users to step outside, serving as informal meeting spots that reinforce the project's communal ethos. Landscaping plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall aesthetic, with native plants selected to reduce water consumption and ensure year-round greenery.

This architectural endeavor stands as a testament to a modern understanding of building design, where functionality and aesthetics coexist in balance. The architectural solutions employed embody a mindfulness of the environment and community, challenging conventional notions of structure and space. Its conception reflects a broader trend in contemporary architecture that seeks to create meaningful spaces which foster social interaction and environmental stewardship.

For those interested in diving deeper into this architectural project, reviewing the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide valuable insights into the design rationale and execution. This project offers a rich case study in how thoughtful design can shape and enhance our built environment, and exploring its details can further illuminate its significance.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
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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