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 Wood Facade and Expansive Glass Openings in a Community Hub

Authors:
Edward Jay Hsueh, Denise Michelle Madera, Gaela-isabel Sitoy Yap, Mia Francesca Pustz
Charred Wood Facade and Expansive Glass Openings in a Community Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating a charred wood facade that nods to theatrical craftsmanship, the design serves as a functional hub for union members, blending training, collaboration, and community engagement within a transparent, accessible space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a charred wood facade that reflects traditional craftsmanship.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features extensive glass elements to enhance natural light and visibility.
04
Includes multi-functional spaces designed for diverse union activities.
05
Integrates native landscaping to promote environmental harmony and sustainability.

### Project Overview
The design for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 720 is situated in Las Vegas, Nevada, and aims to fulfill the operational and community needs of a union dedicated to the performing arts. This proposal reflects the cultural and professional landscape of Las Vegas, emphasizing community engagement and collaboration essential to the performing arts sector.

### Spatial Configuration and Function
The layout of the facility is organized into distinct areas for membership services, community engagement, leadership, and administrative functions.

- **First Floor**: This level features essential amenities, including member services, a training area, and a large meeting hall, designed to promote accessibility and interaction among union members.
- **Second Floor**: This level accommodates executive offices and additional meeting spaces, fostering an environment conducive to both hierarchical and open communications.

The overall spatial strategy encourages spontaneous interactions and networking opportunities, which are vital for collaboration within the creative industries.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration
The choice of materials plays an important role in both the function and symbolism of the design:

- **Concrete** serves as the primary structural material, offering durability while embodying the industrious nature of stage employees.
- **Glass** is used extensively in public and meeting areas to enhance transparency and connect the interior spaces to the external environment through natural light.
- **Metal accents** reflect the contemporary aesthetic of the performing arts, while wood paneling in office areas adds warmth, balancing professionalism and community engagement.

This careful selection of materials not only addresses practical considerations but also aligns with the narrative of craftsmanship inherent to both architecture and theatrical production.

### Unique Features and Flexibility
The facility incorporates distinctive elements that enhance user experience and functionality:

- **Theatrical Lighting Elements**: Creative lighting design throughout key spaces, such as the meeting hall and executive boardroom, enriches the aesthetic while honoring the union's artistic roots.
- **Landscaping**: Outdoor areas featuring native plant species contribute to sustainability goals and reinforce a connection to the local desert environment.
- **Adaptable Spaces**: The design facilitates multifunctionality, allowing rooms to accommodate formal meetings, workshops, and informal gatherings, addressing the evolving needs of union members.

These aspects underscore a commitment to both operational efficiency and an engaging environment that reflects the dynamic nature of the performing arts community.

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

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

`
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
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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy