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Charming Community Center Crafted With Charred Wooden Shingles And Expansive Glass Facades

Authors:
Beatrice Bengasi, Chiara Damiani
Charming Community Center Crafted With Charred Wooden Shingles And Expansive Glass Facades

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, the community center embodies a harmonious blend of natural materials and modern design, offering versatile spaces for recreation and social connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates large glass facades that maximize natural light and connection to the surrounding landscape.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, promoting sustainable building practices.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that adds visual interest and structural efficiency.
05
Designed with flexible spaces that can be adapted for a variety of community activities and events.
The project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of architectural design with its surrounding environment, aiming for functionality while ensuring aesthetic resonance. This architectural endeavor exemplifies how structure and nature can coexist harmoniously, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable design principles and community engagement.

The primary function of this project is to serve as a multi-use community center, which encompasses spaces for recreational activities, educational programs, and social gatherings. This multifunctionality is vital, as it encourages communal interaction and fosters a sense of belonging among residents. The architecture is carefully articulated to allow for flexibility in the use of space, accommodating various events and gatherings, from workshops to performances.

Upon examination of the project’s design elements, one can observe a meticulous attention to detail. The exterior facade utilizes a combination of local materials, which not only helps the building blend into its context but also supports local economies. Predominantly, the project features brick, timber, and glass, each chosen for their durability and minimal environmental impact. The use of timber is particularly significant; it adds warmth to the facade while providing structural benefits. Glass elements are strategically placed to maximize natural light intake, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and promoting energy efficiency.

Unique design approaches manifest in the building's layout and orientation. The architecture takes into consideration the natural topography of the site, with the structure sited to optimize views and minimize the impact on the landscape. This thoughtful positioning enhances the user experience, facilitating a connection between the interior spaces and the surrounding natural features. Careful landscaping complements the building, incorporating native plants that require minimal maintenance and watering, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Inside, the spatial organization flows intuitively, with a central atrium serving as the heartbeat of the community center. This expansive, light-filled area acts as a gathering space, encouraging interaction among users. Surrounding this atrium are various activity rooms, each designed with versatility in mind. Acoustic treatments and movable partitions allow for a range of events to take place simultaneously, without disturbance.

Another noteworthy aspect of this architectural design is the focus on accessibility. The project adheres to universal design principles, ensuring ease of use for individuals of all abilities. Ramps, wide doorways, and strategically located restrooms enhance the functionality of the space, fostering inclusivity within the community.

In addition to these design strategies, the project embeds innovative technologies aimed at improving energy performance. Features such as solar panels on the roof and geothermal heating enhance sustainability, demonstrating the architects’ commitment to reducing the building’s carbon footprint. These elements underline the importance of marrying contemporary technology with traditional design values, creating a building that is both functional and forward-thinking.

Materials also play a central role in conveying the architectural ethos of this project. Alongside previously mentioned brick, timber, and glass, the project incorporates sustainable concrete and stainless steel for structural elements, all chosen to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance. This careful selection underscores a holistic approach to building that prioritizes not only immediate function but also long-term environmental impact.

The architectural design ultimately represents a dialogue between the built environment and its natural surroundings, creating a space that is practical yet reflective of the community's identity. The architects’ commitment to design integrity is evident in every detail, from the choice of materials to the thoughtful layout that encourages community engagement.

Readers interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this project are encouraged to explore its architectural plans, sections, and design concepts. Reviewing these elements will provide additional insights into the architectural ideas that shaped this community-centered initiative. The intricate relationship between space, context, and purpose in this project exemplifies how architectural design can impact daily life and enhance community well-being.
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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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