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Charred Timber Shingles and Dynamic Voids Within a Community-Centric Space

Author:
Brad Lomas
Charred Timber Shingles and Dynamic Voids Within a Community-Centric Space

Project in-detail

With its charred timber shingles and flowing voids that echo the natural formations of Black Lava rock, this community hub fosters engagement and connection within a thoughtfully designed public space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles, enhancing fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Curvilinear geometry creates a seamless flow between public and private spaces, encouraging interaction and exploration.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and sustainability, minimizing carbon footprint.
04
Natural voids allow for optimized daylight penetration, reducing dependence on artificial lighting throughout the day.
05
The project harmonizes with the surrounding landscape, reflecting the local volcanic topography in its form and materials.
The project you are about to explore embodies a thoughtful architectural design concept that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings while showcasing innovative spatial arrangements. This project draws inspiration from the natural characteristics of Black Lava rock, particularly the unique voids created within them. By mirroring the properties of these formations, the design emphasizes a dialogue between solid forms and the voids that allow for light and space movement, creating an engaging experience for its users.

This architectural endeavor represents a synthesis of nature and human activity, crafting a space that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It provides an environment that fosters interaction and exploration, with its design tailored to accommodate a variety of public and private functions. The inclusion of galleries, cafes, and flexible workspaces serves to enhance community engagement while also facilitating individual pursuits, creating a harmonious balance between collective space and personal solace.

The design features a distinctive spatial organization characterized by flowing forms that deviate from traditional rectangular configurations. Public areas are interconnected through organic pathways, encouraging movement and interaction, while private spaces are delineated using more defined geometric lines. This juxtaposition effectively promotes a transition from the communal to the private, inviting visitors to traverse the entire structure with ease.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this project, with a deliberate selection of materials that reflect the environment’s essence. Concrete forms the backbone of the structure due to its robustness and adaptability, while steel provides the necessary strength to support the architectural intent. Timber is incorporated not only as an aesthetically pleasing element but also to introduce warmth and texture, enhancing the tactile experience for users. Large expanses of glass are integrated within the design to facilitate visual connections with the external landscape, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the day.

One of the unique design approaches taken in this project is the emphasis on the relationship between solid mass and void. By strategically placing voids within the structure, the design creates opportunities for natural light to penetrate deep into the spaces, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing the overall ambiance. This thoughtful use of voids is further accentuated by the careful consideration of how the forms interact with the surrounding environment, creating a sense of continuity between the indoors and outdoors.

Additionally, the architectural layout highlights a successful integration of the built environment with its natural context. The undulating contours of the design respond organically to the topography, resulting in a structure that appears to emerge from the landscape rather than imposing upon it. This contextual sensitivity not only contributes to the project’s visual appeal but also reinforces the overarching theme of harmony between architecture and nature.

As you delve deeper into the project, exploring architectural plans, sections, and design features, you will uncover the subtleties that enhance its functionality and charm. Each element of the design has been meticulously planned to ensure efficiency and provide an enriching experience for users. The thoughtful interplay of forms and materials offers an innovative perspective on how architecture can respond to both human needs and environmental conditions.

Further exploration of this project will reveal the depth of its architectural ideas and how they translate into a cohesive design. By reviewing the project presentation and examining various architectural details, you can gain a richer understanding of what makes this work both relevant and impactful within contemporary architectural discourse.
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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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