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Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Canopies Redefining Urban Cultural Spaces

Authors:
Steve Mintern, Simon Robinson
Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Canopies Redefining Urban Cultural Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design transforms underutilized urban car parks into vibrant cultural hubs that promote community engagement and artistic expression.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic contrast.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and sustainability.
03
Employs a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and spatial efficiency.
04
Integrates community spaces that adapt for various cultural events and activities.
05
Promotes bicycle access and pedestrian pathways to reduce vehicle reliance.

### Overview

Located in Adelaide, Australia, the project reimagines previously underutilized urban spaces by converting old car parks into cultural hubs that encourage community interaction and artistic expression. Encompassing an area of 165,000 square meters, it aims to enhance urban life while reducing reliance on automobiles. This initiative supports the vision of a more connected and vibrant Adelaide Central Business District (CBD), aligning with contemporary urban development goals.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The design features ten interconnected creative hubs that support a variety of artistic and community-oriented activities. By creating distinct zones for cultural spaces, business incubators, and performance areas, the layout facilitates diverse programming that adapts over time to local needs. Vertical interaction between levels promotes a dynamic user experience while ensuring efficient space use. The project emphasizes the importance of community engagement through open-air venues that host public gatherings and events.

### Material and Structural Considerations

The architectural approach emphasizes durability and aesthetic coherence through the selection of materials such as reinforced concrete, glass, and steel. These materials not only provide structural integrity but also promote transparency and visual engagement within the park. The design enables natural light to permeate the spaces, fostering an inviting atmosphere conducive to creativity and social interaction. Integrated pathways and bicycle lanes further enhance accessibility, supporting sustainable transport methods.

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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
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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