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Charred Wood Facades and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Creating Reflective Spaces for Community Engagement

Authors:
Bryan Lee Jia En , Tee Kai Jie Forbes, Jolin Koh, Gabriel Yip
Charred Wood Facades and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Creating Reflective Spaces for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and charred wooden shingles, the design creates a seamless connection between communal gathering spaces and private reflection areas, promoting mental wellness in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and spatial flow.
04
Integrates reflective areas within the layout to promote personal contemplation.
05
Prioritizes sustainability through the use of locally sourced materials.

## Overview

The project titled "Have You Been Taking Care of Yourself?" is situated in a densely populated urban area adjacent to water bodies, where it aims to explore themes of emotional wellness, community support, and healing. The design emphasizes the relationship between natural and built environments to enhance individual and collective mental health. By addressing experiences of life, loss, and healing, it offers a holistic approach to fostering community resilience.

## Spatial Configuration

The architectural layout consists of interconnected spaces that promote both interaction and solitude. A central gathering area accommodates various communal activities, including workshops and shared meals, facilitating social engagement among users. In contrast, private reflection spaces are designed for quiet contemplation, allowing individuals to process their emotions in a serene environment. This dual approach encourages a balance of community connection and personal introspection.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a pivotal role in the project's ethos. Predominantly featuring wood in structural components, the design conveys warmth and a connection to life, while large glass panels provide natural lighting and visual continuity with the surrounding landscape. Layered textiles enrich the interiors both aesthetically and functionally, enhancing acoustics and privacy. A commitment to sustainability is evident through the use of recyclable and locally sourced materials, reinforcing environmental responsibility throughout the design.

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

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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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