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Charred Wood Facade and Steel Framework Redefining Creative Spaces in Urban Education

Authors:
Matthieu Friedli, Agathe Sautet, Clara Berthaud
Charred Wood Facade and Steel Framework Redefining Creative Spaces in Urban Education

Project in-detail

With a facade of charred wood and a robust steel framework, the design transforms traditional perceptions of artistic spaces into a dynamic hub for tattoo education and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles create a sustainable, fire-resistant exterior.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while enhancing aesthetics.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while reducing material use.
04
An open workshop layout encourages collaboration among artists and students.
05
Integrated green terraces promote biodiversity and enhance user experience.

### Overview
Located at the border of North Melbourne, the Tattoo Academy aims to redefine the perception and function of tattoo artistry within urban settings. This architectural initiative focuses on creating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and education for tattoo artists, aligning with evolving societal attitudes towards body art. The design integrates seamlessly into the culturally diverse landscape of the area, striking a balance between the vibrancy of urban life and the contemplative atmosphere necessary for artistic development.

### Spatial Configuration
The layout of the Tattoo Academy emphasizes both functionality and user experience. Open workshops on the upper levels accommodate various artistic practices, including intensive training and demonstrations, promoting collaboration among artists and students. The ground floor encompasses a public gallery and café, designed to facilitate community interaction and engagement with the artistic process. Internal circulation is enhanced through strategically positioned staircases and lift access in the central block, supporting diverse activities while ensuring smooth navigation throughout the building.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Material choices play a critical role in articulating the project's vision. Concrete provides a durable structural backbone, while steel supports flexibility in design. Timber finishes create warmth and contrast with the exterior's industrial elements, and extensive glazing invites natural light, fostering transparency in the creative processes. These materials have been selected not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their sustainability, promoting energy efficiency and contributing to the longevity of the structure. Features such as a vegetated terrace further integrate environmental considerations, enhancing user well-being and complementing the urban context.

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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