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Charred Wood Cladding and Expansive Terraces in a Hillside Community Residence

Authors:
Allison Hoagland, Hans Steffes
Charred Wood Cladding and Expansive Terraces in a Hillside Community Residence

Project in-detail

Employing charred wood cladding and expansive outdoor terraces, the residence integrates sustainable materials with hillside living to create a functional communal environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and contribute to fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural stability and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design provides unique aesthetics and optimized interior space.
04
Outdoor terraces seamlessly integrate with the natural hillside landscape.
05
Gallery space promotes community art and creative expression.
The Spirala Community Home is a contemporary architectural project located on a hillside, designed to integrate seamlessly with its natural environment. This residence serves as both a living space and a community hub, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and social interaction. The design emphasizes connection with the landscape, fostering an environment where residents can engage with both nature and each other. The architecture embodies a balance between functionality and aesthetics, prioritizing energy efficiency and community cohesion.

Innovative Design Approaches

The Spirala Community Home features a fluid, organic form that mirrors the contours of the hillside, distinguishing it from conventional residential designs. The roof undulates to facilitate rainwater management and enhance thermal performance. This design choice not only contributes to the architectural identity but also serves practical purposes, such as creating shaded outdoor spaces. The orientation of the building maximizes natural light and offers expansive views, making use of large windows and glass doors to create a visual connection to the environment.

Sustainability is a core component of this project, evidenced by the use of environmentally friendly materials. The facade is constructed with stucco, providing durability, while reclaimed wood enhances the warmth of interior spaces. High-performance glass minimizes energy loss, contributing to passive climate control. The flooring features reclaimed hardwood, reinforcing the project's sustainability credentials. Outdoor terraces and integrated landscaping promote ecological balance, ensuring that the built environment supports local biodiversity.

Architectural Details

Interior spaces are thoughtfully organized to facilitate community engagement. The main entrance leads to versatile communal areas, promoting social interaction among residents. A dedicated gallery space highlights art and creativity, reinforcing the community's identity. The kitchen and gathering area are designed for shared experiences, ensuring that the home serves as a central hub for family and community life. The incorporation of outdoor terraces encourages convenient access to the natural surroundings, enhancing the overall livability of the project.

Throughout the Spirala Community Home, each design element reinforces the project's mission of community integration and environmental harmony. The unique architectural form, combined with sustainable practices and a focus on communal spaces, sets this project apart from others in the field.

For more insights into architectural plans, sections, and designs of the Spirala Community Home, explore the detailed presentation of this project to understand the full scope of its innovation and design intent.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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