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Charred Shingles and Glass Elevate Community Interaction Within Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Tanay Verma, Flora Sheth, Alifiyah Merchant
Charred Shingles and Glass Elevate Community Interaction Within Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Combining charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, the design integrates seamlessly with the volcanic landscape to create a multifunctional community hub focused on education and public engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to support sustainable construction practices.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and views of the landscape.
04
Integrates pathways that follow the natural topography for easy navigation.
05
Includes multipurpose spaces designed for community engagement and educational programs.
The Interloop is an architectural project situated within a unique landscape characterized by the nearby Herfjall volcano. This design focuses on improving visitor experience through an integrated approach that combines multifunctional spaces, circulation, and interaction with the natural environment. The project aims to facilitate a seamless connection between built structures and the diverse topography, while serving as a public hub for social, cultural, and educational functions.

The design incorporates various essential elements, including a Visitor Lobby that serves as the primary entrance to the building. This space guides visitors towards both the museum and café facilities. A highly functional multipurpose space is strategically positioned to maximize interaction with the landscape, while the observatory and archive seamlessly connect higher elevated viewpoints, offering opportunities for research and observation.

The pathways within "The Interloop" are thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration, featuring ramps that rise and descend parallel to the landscape's natural contours. This circulation method not only differentiates the visitor journey but also enhances accessibility throughout the project, promoting an inclusive environment. Each area is organized to support specific functions, while also allowing for flexible use to adapt to varying extents of visitor engagement.

Innovative design strategies underpin the project’s unique character. Firstly, the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces effectively blurs the lines between the architectural elements and the surrounding natural environment, allowing natural light to flood various parts of the building. This not only supports sustainability but also diversifies the experiences available to users. The use of glass, concrete, and steel as primary materials further emphasizes transparency, solidity, and resilience.

Moreover, attention to user experience ensures that the design promotes interaction at different levels. Visitors can engage intimately in cafés and co-working spaces, while expansive views from the observatory provide a broader context of the landscape. In addition, the project includes recreational facilities, such as an ice rink, that encourage communal use, fostering a sense of belonging among visitors and the surrounding community.

For those interested in gaining further insights into the various architectural components, it is advisable to review the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented in relation to "The Interloop." Each of these elements provides a clearer understanding of how the project effectively marries functionality with aesthetic considerations, resulting in a well-rounded architectural response.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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