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Charred Timber Panels and Integrated Transparency in a Community-Centric Reading Space

Authors:
Marina Ieridou, Carolina Navarro Sarmiento
Charred Timber Panels and Integrated Transparency in a Community-Centric Reading Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred timber panels and expansive glass elements, this reading space redefines communal interaction by fostering a dynamic environment for literary exploration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a visually engaging texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels promote sustainability and structural efficiency in the design.
03
An adaptable podium hosts various community events, encouraging active participation.
04
Transparent mesh panels maximize natural light and visibility, connecting interior and exterior spaces.
05
The bending A-frame design allows for unique spatial configurations and enhanced acoustic performance.

### Overview

Located in the bustling center of Barcelona, the project functions as an interactive reading space aimed at enhancing community engagement and promoting literary exploration. By integrating functional architectural elements with innovative design, it reframes the experience of reading from a solitary pursuit to a collective activity, inviting diverse interactions among visitors.

### Community Engagement and Spatial Strategy

The design emphasizes the importance of shared space and community ownership, encouraging active participation from all users. It serves as a platform for social interaction and learning, showcasing the concept of "reading as a collective activity." The layout features interconnected spaces, including a central podium designed for gatherings, a Library of Prompts that guides literary exploration, and a Book Exchange Zone that fosters resource sharing among community members. This strategic arrangement facilitates exploration and encourages a fluid experience, enhancing the overall user journey.

### Materiality and Aesthetic

The material choices reflect both aesthetic and functional considerations. Wood is prominently used for furniture and structural elements, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Steel provides necessary stability within the complex forms, while mesh panels allow natural light to permeate the space, enhancing openness. Key architectural features are accented with powder-coated metal in vibrant colors, contributing to a modern visual identity. Glass is utilized throughout to establish transparency and connection with the exterior environment, further promoting a sense of community and interaction.

This architectural intervention illustrates how thoughtful design can elevate everyday literary experiences into opportunities for significant social connection.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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