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Charred Wood Cladding and Glass Facades Creating Interactive Learning Spaces in Urban Centers

Author:
Nam Dao
Charred Wood Cladding and Glass Facades Creating Interactive Learning Spaces in Urban Centers

Project in-detail

Charred wood cladding and expansive glass facades merge to create an engaging educational environment, uniquely positioned as a community hub for aspiring tattoo artists in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a distinct aesthetic while enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels streamline construction and contribute to sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal spatial flow and natural light penetration.
04
Dedicated workshop areas facilitate hands-on learning experiences for students.
05
An integrated café serves as a social space, fostering community engagement within the academy.

# Architectural Analysis Report: Tattoo Academy, Melbourne

## Overview
Located at the intersection of Courtneay, Queensberry, and Peel streets in Melbourne, the Tattoo Academy serves as an educational facility and community hub focused on tattoo culture. The design intent emphasizes urban resilience and integration within the surrounding environment, creating a space that accommodates both artistic expression and educational purposes. The comprehensive approach is evident in the thoughtful arrangement of various functions and public spaces that foster interaction among users.

## Material Selection
The choice of materials is fundamental to both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the Academy. Concrete is employed for the structural walls, providing a durable and minimalist framework. Glass elements enhance transparency and invite natural light, establishing a visual connection between interior and exterior settings. Steel supports and railings contribute to the modern industrial aesthetic, while stone may be used in landscaping to create tactile connections with the outdoor environment. This strategic mix of materials not only defines the building's character but also supports its operational requirements.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The interior layout is meticulously organized to facilitate effective circulation and enhance user experience. The main entrance leads to a centralized reception area, which establishes a welcoming environment. Dedicated workshop spaces are designed to nurture creativity, providing students with diverse settings in which to develop their skills. A café and gathering area promote social interaction, reinforcing the communal aspect of the Academy, while a gallery space for exhibitions allows for public engagement with student work. The incorporation of green areas creates a connection to nature, supporting overall well-being.

### Circulation and Accessibility
The circulation strategy features open voids and circular staircases that ensure smooth transitions between levels. Accessibility is prioritized through thoughtfully placed lifts and clearly defined pathways that guide visitors through the various spaces, enhancing overall navigation and user comfort.

### Light Interaction
The design adeptly manipulates natural light, allowing it to flood the internal spaces through strategically placed windows and openings. This interplay of light and shadow contributes to a dynamic atmosphere that evolves throughout the day, fostering an inviting and inspiring environment for creative pursuits.

### Adaptable Interiors
The interior design is tailored to support diverse artistic activities, featuring ample wall space for artwork and multifunctional areas designed for various uses. Attention to warm lighting enhances comfort and stimulates creativity, while the minimalist aesthetic ensures versatility for a range of activities. This careful consideration of the interior environment encourages a vibrant artistic community within the Academy.

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

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Competition organisers

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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