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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.
Adelaide's Creative Community Hub is an architectural project designed to enhance cultural exchange and promote creative collaboration within the urban landscape. The structure integrates public space with artistic functionality, providing a vital resource for the local community. The hub serves multi-faceted roles, hosting artistic workshops, educational programs, and public events, ultimately aiming to strengthen community ties and foster creativity.

The design incorporates a dynamic canopy that envelops the entrance, creating a visually striking first impression. This feature not only serves a practical purpose by offering shelter but also symbolizes the artistic energy of the building. The canopy’s organic form invites visitors into the space, while the complementary public stair slope facilitates movement, encouraging interaction with the building and surrounding area.

Unique Features of the Design

A notable aspect of the Creative Community Hub is its emphasis on flexible, multi-use spaces. Unlike traditional cultural facilities, the hub is designed with adaptability in mind, allowing for a variety of events and activities to take place simultaneously. This flexibility is crucial, as it promotes greater community engagement and caters to diverse user needs.

The use of natural materials, including wood, brick, and concrete, showcases a commitment to sustainability and a connection to the local context. These materials contribute to a warm aesthetic, while the expansive glass panels provide transparency, linking the interior spaces with the exterior environment. The integration of greenery, through vertical gardens, enhances the urban experience by promoting biodiversity and improving air quality.

Technology plays a significant role in the hub’s function. The allocation of spaces for creative work is equipped with modern amenities to support artists and educators. High-quality lighting, sound systems, and digital interfaces are incorporated throughout, ensuring the flexibility to host a range of events from intimate workshops to larger performances.

Architectural Design and Layout

The architectural layout is thoughtfully planned to facilitate social interaction and collaboration. The ground floor contains the café and social areas, fostering informal gatherings and networking. Upwards, the design features studios and classrooms dedicated to creative disciplines, allowing for artistic exploration and educational initiatives.

Given the emphasis on community, the event and performance spaces are strategically located to maximize accessibility. These versatile spaces are capable of hosting exhibitions, lectures, and performances, further enriching the cultural fabric of Adelaide. Vertical circulation is provided through a central stairway, which connects the various levels and encourages exploration of all areas within the hub.

In summary, Adelaide's Creative Community Hub stands as an architectural response to the needs of a growing urban environment. Its functional design, unique use of materials, and incorporation of flexible spaces highlight its role as a center for creativity and collaboration. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of this project, readers are encouraged to explore further documentation available on the hub.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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