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

Authors:
Kelvin De Guzman Magno, Erika Ruth Lacanilao Florendo
Charred Wood Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a striking harmony between sustainability and community engagement, serving as a vibrant hub for local interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates locally-sourced charred wood shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that offer both structural strength and thermal efficiency.
03
Incorporates green roofs to promote biodiversity and manage stormwater sustainably.
04
Uses a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
05
Prioritizes multi-functionality with adaptable spaces for community gatherings and events.
The architectural project in focus represents a thoughtful synthesis of form and function, embodying a design philosophy that prioritizes sustainability and community engagement. Located in a vibrant urban context, this project serves as both a pivotal landmark and a functional space, catering to the diverse needs of its users while honoring the cultural essence of its setting. The architectural design is not merely a response to spatial requirements; rather, it reflects a comprehensive understanding of its environment, integrating natural elements and human-centric principles.

The overarching concept of the project is rooted in the idea of connectivity. This is evident in the way the building interacts with its surroundings. The design facilitates movement, drawing people in and allowing for seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large, expansive windows characterize the facade, inviting natural light to flood the interior while offering views of the surrounding landscape. This deliberate choice not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also emphasizes the importance of natural light in enhancing wellbeing.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this project, with careful selection of materials that promote sustainability and visual coherence. Predominantly, a palette of locally sourced timber, robust brick, and durable concrete has been employed. The timber serves to create warmth within the space, effectively contrasting with the structural permanence of the concrete elements. The brick not only reinforces the building’s connection to local architectural vernacular but also provides an effective thermal mass, contributing to energy efficiency. This conscious approach to materiality underscores a commitment to sustainability, reducing the environmental impact of the construction while simultaneously enhancing the local identity of the project.

The functional aspects of the design are equally well-conceived. The layout is organized around a central communal area, which fosters interaction among users. This space is designed to accommodate a variety of activities, making it versatile and adaptable to the needs of different users. Surrounding this hub, smaller, more intimate spaces provide opportunities for private gatherings or focused work, ensuring that the building caters to both social and personal demands. This thoughtful zoning of space reflects a keen awareness of contemporary lifestyle patterns, where flexibility and inclusivity are paramount.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, showcasing innovative solutions to common architectural challenges. The use of green roofs not only contributes to the building's aesthetic diversity but also serves practical functions, such as stormwater management and biodiversity promotion. Additionally, the integration of open-air terraces enhances user experience by providing outdoor spaces that are easily accessible and functional year-round. These terraces blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an environment that invites natural interactions and supports mental well-being.

Furthermore, the building design incorporates passive heating and cooling strategies, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing reliance on mechanical systems. Orientation and shading devices are strategically designed to optimize natural ventilation while ensuring interior spaces remain comfortable throughout different seasons. This design consideration reflects a progressive stance towards sustainable architecture, addressing the increasing importance of climate-responsive design in contemporary architectural practice.

As you explore the nuances of this architectural project, consider reviewing the detailed architectural plans and sections that provide greater insight into the design strategy. The architectural ideas presented throughout this project offer a robust model for future developments that prioritize both environmental stewardship and community-oriented design. The interplay of traditional and modern elements within the project serves as an inspiration for ongoing discourse in the field of architecture, where the focus continues to shift towards creating spaces that are not only functional but also enriching for the communities they serve. For a deeper understanding of this architectural endeavor and its implications, the full project presentation is available, offering a comprehensive view of its unique features and design intentions, encouraging you to analyze the interplay between aesthetics and practicality that defines contemporary architecture.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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