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Charred Wood Facades and Subterranean Spaces in a Multifunctional Cultural Hub

Author:
Zachary Matthews
Charred Wood Facades and Subterranean Spaces in a Multifunctional Cultural Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood facades and cross-laminated timber panels, the cultural hub integrates subterranean spaces with flexible performance areas to enhance community engagement and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance both durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Subterranean spaces optimized for acoustic performance support diverse activities.
03
Recital stairs provide informal seating, encouraging spontaneous interaction.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid assembly and sustainability.
05
Lavender gardens integrate sensory elements with the surrounding environment.

### Project Overview

Violet Hill is situated in Piazza Galena, an area known for its public engagement and artistic activity. The goal is to establish a multifunctional cultural landmark that promotes creativity, dialogue, and collaborative performance, thereby enhancing the social fabric of the surrounding environment.

### Site and Spatial Organization

The site plan illustrates a strategic arrangement of functional zones designed to support diverse events, including performances, exhibitions, and public gatherings. The layout facilitates smooth transitions between different spaces, supporting accessibility and community interaction. Notable features include a main auditorium that serves as a versatile performance space, informal seating areas that encourage spontaneous interaction, and sensory gardens that invite visitors to engage with nature. Subterranean levels maximize the use of space while preserving above-ground greenery.

### Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

The project employs a carefully selected material palette that includes reinforced concrete, glass, and wood. Reinforced concrete provides durability and allows for dynamic architectural forms, while glass facades foster a connection between interior spaces and the external environment through natural light. Wood accents in seating and surfaces throughout the auditorium contribute warmth and comfort, enhancing user experience. This strategic choice of materials supports the building's structural integrity and aligns with principles of environmental sustainability, focusing on energy efficiency and minimal ecological impact.

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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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