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A Compact Community Habitat with Stone and Charred Wooden Shingle

Authors:
Pak Ka Wong, Ck, Cheuk Kin Kong, Wesley Fung, Hoi Yan Ma
A  Compact Community Habitat with Stone and Charred Wooden Shingle
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The structure, incorporating charred wood cladding and indigenous stone, fluidly connects interior and exterior environments, establishing a flexible community center.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to foster structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, promoting natural light and ventilation within the space.
04
Local stone is used extensively, integrating the structure with its natural surroundings.
05
Includes multifunctional communal spaces designed for community engagement and interaction.

Pupa exemplifies a unique thematic exploration of transformation, symbolizing the stages of growth akin to the metamorphosis of an insect. This project is situated within a naturally rich environment, aiming to bridge the gap between the built space and the natural landscape. The design fosters an interaction between users and their surroundings, emphasizing sustainability and functionality throughout its layout.

Spatial Configuration

The space provides versatile living spaces that balance community interaction with individual privacy. A central communal area fosters social engagement, while surrounding private living spaces and semi-outdoor recreational areas cater to diverse needs. This fluid layout encourages movement and connectivity, maintaining distinct functional zones and a sense of shared space.

Material Selection

The project's material palette was carefully chosen to reinforce its connection to the site and its sustainable principles. Local stone provides a durable base and a direct link to the region's geological context, while reclaimed wood introduces warmth and texture. Glass facades are used extensively to maximize natural light and blur the boundary between indoors and outdoors, creating a constant visual dialogue with the surrounding environment. Metal components offer structural integrity and a contemporary aesthetic, ensuring the building is both robust and visually appealing.

Sustainable Practices

The design integrates several eco-conscious features to minimize its environmental footprint. The design employs passive techniques that capitalize on the building's orientation to maximize natural light and ventilation, which in turn reduces energy consumption.

Rainwater harvesting and a comprehensive natural ventilation system further promote sustainable living and reduce the project's reliance on external resources. The integration of nature is not merely aesthetic; it is a core functional element, with large glass openings and semi-outdoor spaces actively facilitating an indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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