Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in