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Charmed Educational Spaces Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber and Integrated Natural Landscapes

Author:
Kristell Marie Pola Piau
Charmed Educational Spaces Crafted from Cross-Laminated Timber and Integrated Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this school integrates outdoor learning environments with flexible classrooms, fostering a community-centric educational experience within a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and environmental sustainability.
03
Features a central courtyard designed as a multifunctional outdoor learning area.
04
Engages local children in the design process to reflect community needs and aspirations.
05
Emphasizes flexible classroom layouts that adapt for various teaching methods.
The Bouge School is an architectural project situated in Marseille, France, primarily designed to provide a dynamic learning environment for children in an underserved community. The school encompasses a straightforward yet effective architectural approach that integrates educational facilities with outdoor spaces, promoting holistic learning experiences within a natural context.

The project features a central courtyard that serves as the heart of the school, fostering community interactions and outdoor learning opportunities. This area includes natural features such as trees and shaded seating, encouraging students to engage with their surroundings while pursuing educational activities. The architectural design creates a seamless flow between indoor classrooms and the outdoor environment, reinforcing the philosophy of education as a continuous experience beyond traditional learning confines.

Unique Design Approaches
A notable aspect of the Bouge School is its focus on community involvement throughout the design process. By collaborating with local children and educators, the project addresses specific needs and aspirations, ensuring the facility resonates with its users. This participatory approach is a departure from many conventional educational architectures that often overlook user engagement.

The building materials also reflect a commitment to sustainability and regional context. The use of wood, concrete, and glass integrates durability with aesthetic appeal. Wood complements the natural setting while providing warmth in indoor spaces, concrete ensures structural integrity, and glass enhances natural lighting, making educational areas more inviting.

Landscape integration further distinguishes this project. The outdoor learning areas are designed with native plantings and natural play elements, allowing for exploration and interaction with nature. This aspect not only enriches the educational curriculum but also instills an awareness of environment and ecology in young minds.

Architectural Functions and Features
The interior layout of the Bouge School emphasizes flexibility, with classrooms designed to accommodate various teaching styles and activities. Activity zones are established for creative expressions such as arts and crafts, reflecting the importance of arts in education. The building configures spaces that support collaborative learning while being adaptable to individual or group activities.

Incorporating landscaping elements, the school encourages active play and exploration. Playgrounds are designed not only for recreation but also to facilitate physical engagement with natural materials, further enhancing the educational experience. These areas serve as extensions of the classroom, drawing on the intellectual and physical benefits of outdoor learning.

For those interested in examining the architectural planning and design elements of the Bouge School, further exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide additional insights into the project’s innovative approach to educational architecture. Engaging with these details will deepen understanding of how this project redefines learning environments in contemporary contexts.
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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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