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 Create A Community-Centric Space

Author:
Avery Paxton Seip
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create A Community-Centric Space

Project in-detail

With an exterior defined by charred wooden shingles and a structural core of cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a harmonious community space that integrates sustainability and functionality within its urban fabric.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize internal space while enhancing thermal performance.
02
Incorporates locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainable construction practices.
03
Features an innovative façade of charred wooden shingles for increased durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Integrates rooftop gardens to improve biodiversity and enhance the building's ecological footprint.
05
Design includes flexible communal areas to foster social interaction and community engagement.
The architectural project presented offers a nuanced exploration of contemporary design, reflecting a commitment to functionality while nurturing a dialogue with its surroundings. The building serves a multifaceted purpose, accommodating both communal and private functions. The concept behind this architectural endeavor is to create an inclusive space that fosters interaction among inhabitants, promoting a sense of community through thoughtfully designed areas intended for both collaboration and individual reflection.

At its core, the project emphasizes an open-plan layout, which facilitates seamless movement and interaction. This design approach not only enhances spatial fluidity but also allows natural light to permeate the interior, thereby creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The architectural plans demonstrate a meticulous arrangement of spaces that prioritize accessibility without compromising on aesthetic appeal. Areas such as communal gathering spaces are strategically placed to encourage users to engage with one another, while quiet nooks are thoughtfully integrated to support individual activities or moments of solitude.

The materiality of the project is another significant aspect that contributes to its overall character. A careful selection of sustainable materials underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship. The use of locally sourced timber not only provides structural support but also adds warmth and texture to the interiors. Coupled with large expanses of glass, these materials foster a connection between the indoor environment and the natural world outside, allowing occupants to experience a harmonious blend of interior and exterior landscapes. The incorporation of concrete elements provides durability and a sense of permanence, juxtaposed against the lightweight nature of timber, which enhances the architectural language.

Uniquely, the project employs innovative design techniques that challenge traditional architectural norms. For instance, integrating green roofs and vertical gardens not only improves air quality but also acts as a visual focal point, reinforcing the building's commitment to sustainability. This biophilic approach enriches the inhabitants' experience, offering varied sensory stimuli and promoting well-being. Additionally, the project incorporates passive design strategies, such as strategic shading and natural ventilation, to minimize energy consumption, showcasing a forward-thinking attitude towards responsible design.

The architectural sections reveal a thorough understanding of how vertical circulation is managed within the space. Staircases are designed not merely as means of movement but as central elements that invite users to traverse the building while appreciating the varied spatial qualities. Each level is interconnected, allowing for dynamic interaction among different functions, while corridors are designed to be expansive and bright, alleviating the often-dreary atmosphere that accompanies traditional hallways.

Furthermore, the design reflects cultural influences from its geographical location, integrating local architectural vernacular with contemporary aesthetics. This grounding in context ensures that the project resonates with its surrounding community, inviting users to take pride in its existence while fostering a unique architectural identity.

The interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces is particularly noteworthy, as terraces and balconies are designed to extend living areas beyond the building's envelope, encouraging outdoor activities and relaxation. This deliberate choice promotes a lifestyle that values connection to nature, further reinforcing the project’s overarching themes of sustainability and community engagement.

As the project unfolds, it becomes evident that every decision, from the overall layout to the smallest detailing, is informed by a desire to enhance the experience of its users. From the careful selection of materials that speak to both aesthetic and practical concerns, to the unique design approaches that challenge conventional architecture, this project stands as a compelling example of what thoughtful design can achieve.

For those interested in exploring the depth of this architectural design, a closer examination of the architectural plans, sections, and overall architectural ideas will provide further insights into the innovative thought processes at play. Engaging with these elements allows for a richer understanding of how the spaces work together to fulfill the project's vision. Delve deeper into this architectural presentation to discover the many layers that contribute to its significance and relevance in contemporary design discourse.
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