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Charred Timber Shingles Enhance Community Gathering Space with Sustainable Design

Authors:
Carmen María Ruiz Romero, Andrés Navarro Moral, Jose Miguel Pérez Sevilla
Charred Timber Shingles Enhance Community Gathering Space with Sustainable Design
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive glass elements, the design cultivates a harmonious blend of natural light and sustainable materials, creating an adaptable community gathering space that enhances urban interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features extensive glass elements to maximize natural light and visibility.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and sustainability.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame to facilitate unique spatial configurations.
05
Integrates landscaping with local flora to promote ecological harmony.

### Project Overview

Cross Roads Hall is situated in a dynamic urban environment, designed as a multifunctional space that enhances community interactions at a critical intersection. Drawing from principles of historical Roman urbanism, the design seeks to create a focal point that fosters social engagement and connectivity among users. The integration with the site's sloped terrain allows for a harmonious relationship between the structure and its natural context, ensuring accessibility and a welcoming atmosphere.

### Spatial Configuration

**Site Layout**
The arrangement of spaces is strategically designed to link multiple structures across the intersection, optimizing land use to provide areas for gathering, events, and movement.

- **Upper Level (Piazza Galeno Floor)**: This primary public area includes meeting spaces, a cafeteria, and zones for informal encounters, all enhanced by landscaped features that provide natural shading and a sense of tranquility.
- **Underground Level**: Featuring direct access to transportation hubs, this level supports additional rooms catering to events and conferences. The design facilitates an intuitive flow that integrates public transport with the surrounding urban fabric.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A varied selection of materials has been employed to enhance both aesthetics and environmental sustainability.

1. **Concrete**: Used for structural purposes, concrete features texture variations to create visual interest.
2. **Glass**: Extensive glass elements foster an open ambiance and allow natural light to permeate the interior, while maintaining views of the surrounding landscape.
3. **Steel**: Implemented in the structural framework, steel contributes to the building's resilience and offers a contemporary industrial character.
4. **Landscaping Elements**: The use of local plant species promotes ecological balance and minimizes maintenance requirements.

### Design Outcomes

**Distinctive Features**
- **Fluid Circulation**: The design supports diverse movement patterns, with multiple access points facilitating flexible usage and enhancing the user experience.
- **Adaptive Use of Space**: The integration of open and adaptable spaces accommodates various functions, such as exhibitions and community gatherings.
- **Environmental Harmony**: Incorporation of vegetation and natural elements contributes to cooling, insulation, and overall energy efficiency.

**Cultural and Artistic Engagement**
The project references historical architectural strategies while incorporating modern materials and technologies. Artistic displays along circulation paths promote community interaction, showcasing local culture and enriching the user experience.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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