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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

Project in-detail

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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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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