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 Define a Community-Centric Space

Author:
Federico Bullara
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Community-Centric Space

Project in-detail

Emphasizing biophilic design through the use of charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the facility creates an inviting environment that fosters community engagement and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates living walls that enhance air quality and aesthetic appeal.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique texture while improving fire resistance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce on-site waste and promote efficient construction.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes usable interior space while creating a distinct silhouette.
05
Natural ventilation strategies are integrated to enhance energy efficiency throughout the facility.
The architectural project under consideration embodies a thoughtful blend of functionality and aesthetic innovation, designed to serve as both a practical space and a visual landmark within its geographical context. The design aims to reflect the cultural and environmental attributes of its location while providing a versatile solution to the needs of its users. Through its integrated approach, this project seeks to harmonize form and function, creating a space that resonates with its surroundings while fulfilling its intended purpose.

At its core, the project functions as a multi-use facility that promotes community interaction and engagement. Its layout facilitates a dynamic flow of activity, encouraging users to connect not only with the space but also with one another. This aspect of the design highlights the importance of social cohesion in architectural practice, emphasizing the role that built environments play in fostering interpersonal connections. The inclusion of open areas, communal spaces, and flexible room configurations invites a diverse range of activities, from group gatherings to educational workshops, making it a hub for community-oriented programs.

The architectural design incorporates a range of materials that contribute to its distinct character and performance. Key materials include concrete, glass, timber, and steel, each chosen for its unique properties and sustainability credentials. Concrete provides the structure with durability and robustness, while its thermal mass properties help regulate temperature, contributing to the project's energy efficiency. Large expanses of glass are utilized not only to maximize natural light but also to create a visual link between indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing the user experience and fostering a sense of connection to nature. Timber elements soften the overall aesthetic, adding warmth and texture, while steel is employed for structural integrity, allowing for innovative design solutions and extensive spans.

The project's unique design approaches are evident in its integration of biophilic design principles, which aim to connect inhabitants with nature. This is achieved through strategically placed landscaping, living walls, and outdoor terraces that extend the usable space beyond the building’s footprint. The design carefully considers factors such as sunlight, wind patterns, and local flora, ensuring that the architecture not only coexists with the environment but actively enhances it. Such considerations extend to the project’s sustainability initiatives, including rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient HVAC technologies, showcasing a commitment to reducing the ecological footprint while maintaining comfort and usability.

Moreover, the architectural expression of the project is informed by local vernacular and contextual cues, allowing it to resonate with its surroundings. The form and materials reflect traditional building practices, yet the overall composition is refreshingly modern. This dialogue between past and present creates a sense of place that respects historical narratives while inviting innovation. Key design elements, such as sloped roofs or shaded overhangs, may also draw inspiration from regional architectural styles, further embedding the project within its cultural landscape.

Significant attention is paid to the details of the design, where elements such as lighting fixtures, finishes, and furniture selections are thoughtfully curated to enhance the architectural narrative. The interplay between light and shadow is carefully orchestrated through the manipulation of canopy structures and fenestration, creating inviting atmospheres that adapt throughout the day. A cohesive color palette predominates, tying together various elements of the design while allowing for individual expression in communal and private spaces alike.

Exploring this architectural project reveals a comprehensive understanding of user needs intertwined with an acute awareness of environmental impact. The design not only addresses immediate functionality but also poses questions about the role of architecture in shaping community life and engaging with the natural world. For those interested in gaining deeper insights into this project, examining the architectural plans, architectural sections, and varied architectural designs will provide a richer understanding of the innovative ideas that have been employed. This project stands as a reflection of thoughtful architectural practice that prioritizes both human connection and ecological responsibility, inviting all to experience its myriad possibilities.
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