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Canopy Structure Crafted from Charred Wood and Concrete for Community Engagement

Authors:
Will Colenso, Lily Mcbride Stephens
Canopy Structure Crafted from Charred Wood and Concrete for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

A dynamic canopy of charred wood and expansive glass creates a transparent hub that fosters artistic collaboration and community engagement in the heart of Adelaide.
5 key facts about this project
01
A curved canopy made from charred wood provides both shelter and visual appeal.
02
Vertical gardens are integrated into the structure, enhancing ecological benefits.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to the building’s sustainability and aesthetics.
04
The design features multifunctional spaces for art, education, and community events.
05
Natural light is maximized through extensive glass facades, connecting interior and exterior.

### Project Overview

Located in the center of Adelaide, South Australia, the Creative Community Hub is designed as a multifunctional space dedicated to fostering cultural and artistic endeavors. Its primary intent is to address the demand for accessible creative environments in urban settings, facilitating community collaboration and engagement through various programs that support the arts and education.

### Architectural Concept and Design Elements

The architectural approach features a distinctive façade with an organic canopy that defines the entrance, providing both shelter and a unique visual identity. The canopy enhances the sense of movement and interaction, creating shaded areas conducive to community gatherings. Light installations integrated into the structure not only improve visibility but also contribute to the building’s ambiance during nighttime use.

#### Key Design Features

The robust wooden canopy extends gracefully over a wide public stair, creating a welcoming transition from the street to the interior. This feature activates the surrounding area while facilitating access to various public spaces. The landscape integrates terraced seating, encouraging informal gatherings and performances. These seating areas are adaptable for structured events, enhancing their utility.

Interior spatial organization promotes vertical movement through a central core that connects different levels, thereby fostering exploration and interaction among users. A spiraled staircase serves both as a functional way to navigate the building and as an architectural highlight that encourages flow throughout the hub.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a dedication to sustainability and local character. Wood, prominently featured in the canopy and seating, provides a warm aesthetic. Glass is used extensively for façades and partitions, fostering transparency and visual connections with the surroundings. Structural components are crafted from concrete and supplemented by brick to echo local architectural styles. Steel provides necessary structural support and design accents throughout the building.

The integration of vertical gardens and greenery is a notable aspect of the environmental approach, enhancing biophilic design principles that promote mental well-being. This not only beautifies the structure but also contributes to a sustainable urban ecosystem.

### Programmatic Layout

The building comprises distinct but interconnected zones, including social spaces such as a café that acts as a communal gathering point, creative workspaces equipped for artists and designers, flexible event areas that can accommodate both small and large gatherings, and educational facilities aligned with local institutions like TAFE College. These spaces together facilitate a dynamic environment for skill development, artistic expression, and community engagement.

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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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