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Charred Wood Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Sustainable Community Haven

Authors:
Blazka Ilovar, Mojca Kastelic, Nika Guzelj, Ursa Heric
Charred Wood Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Sustainable Community Haven

Project in-detail

Cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood shingles define an environmentally conscious community space designed to foster interaction and sustainability in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural strength while minimizing environmental impact.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide a durable, fire-resistant exterior finish.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and reduces energy consumption.
04
Integrated communal gardens foster biodiversity and community engagement.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable water management practices.

The project under analysis is a contemporary architectural design located in a vibrant urban environment. It aims to create an integrated living and working space that fosters community engagement and supports sustainable practices. The architecture of this project comprises a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and functional design, making it suitable for its intended purposes.

The building is designed to accommodate a mix of residential units and commercial spaces, reflecting the increasing demand for versatile urban living arrangements. The architectural form is organized to optimize light and air flow, ensuring the comfort of occupants and enhancing energy efficiency. The layout promotes accessibility and pedestrian movement, linking various areas within the structure and encouraging social interaction among residents and visitors.

The use of materials plays a crucial role in this project. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing stability. Large glass panels are strategically installed to create transparency and visual connections with the exterior environment, enhancing the indoor experience while reducing the need for artificial lighting. Complementary materials such as wood and steel are used for finishes and structural elements, offering warmth and durability.

Sustainability is a key focus of this design. Innovative strategies, such as green roofing and rainwater harvesting systems, contribute to minimizing the building's ecological footprint. These features not only address environmental concerns but also align with the growing expectation for architecture to contribute positively to urban ecosystems.

The project distinguishes itself through its adaptable design principles. The architects have implemented flexible floor plans capable of accommodating different living arrangements, which is increasingly relevant in today's dynamic housing market. Additionally, the incorporation of communal spaces, such as gardens and social hubs, enhances the sense of community.

Furthermore, the integration of local cultural elements into the design highlights the project's connection to its surroundings. Careful consideration has been given to complementary landscaping, which reinforces the relationship between the building and its context.

This architectural project represents a modern solution to urban living, characterized by its focus on sustainability, community, and adaptability. For a comprehensive understanding of the design, including architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into its architectural ideas and how they are realized in practice.

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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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