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Birch Wood Structure Embracing Community Interaction Under Natural Light

Authors:
Ahmed Hefila, Menna Hesham
Birch Wood Structure Embracing Community Interaction Under Natural Light

Project in-detail

A birch wood structure integrates local stones and glass panels to create a community center that facilitates social interaction and engagement with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
A three-level design maximizes views while adapting to the land's contours.
02
Local birch wood is prominently used throughout the structure.
03
Large glass panels enhance natural light and provide connections to the landscape.
04
A resource exchange area promotes sustainable practices among residents.
05
Natural stone anchors the building visually to its environment.

The design merges communal living with private homes under a single roof structure in a landscape enriched by natural beauty and the Northern Lights. This community center embodies a concept that balances shared spaces with individual identity. Drawing inspiration from the traditional "Turf House," the design adapts historical elements for modern living while creating a strong connection to the surrounding environment. The layout invites residents to engage with their neighbors and the natural landscape.

Design Concept

The vision establishes a friendly community where individual units can stand alone yet contribute to a common atmosphere. Each dwelling offers privacy while encouraging social interaction among residents. This thoughtful arrangement fosters a sense of belonging and community.

Materials and Aesthetic

Material choices are key to grounding the design in its local context. Local birch wood is used throughout, providing warmth and a natural feel. This choice complements the painted metal roofs, which add a contemporary look while improving brightness, especially during the winter months. Large glass panels are included to bring in natural light and offer expansive views of the landscape, making the indoor spaces feel open and connected to the outdoors.

Functional Structure

A three-level configuration responds to the natural contours of the land, allowing for easy movement and clear sightlines. This design decision enhances accessibility and encourages residents to engage with their surroundings. Natural stone is used at the base of buildings, anchoring them visually and echoing traditional building practices in the area.

Community Interaction Cycles

The design supports important cycles of interaction, including waste management, resource sharing, and social gatherings. Areas for responsible waste collection and recycling encourage residents to participate in sustainable practices. A resource exchange space allows for the reuse of materials, reinforcing the community's commitment to sustainability. Central gathering spaces provide venues for dining, learning, and social activities, enriching the community experience.

Overall, the thoughtful combination of these design elements fosters a lively environment where interaction is encouraged. The facade reflects local aesthetics, allowing the structure to blend naturally with the landscape while welcoming both light and connections among people.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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