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Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facade Define a Community-Centric Space

Authors:
Jose carlos Menasalvas gijón, Cristina Jiménez lima
Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facade Define a Community-Centric Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and expansive glass surfaces come together to create a multifunctional community space that emphasizes sustainability and user engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide enhanced durability and aesthetic contrast against the glass facade.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to efficient construction and structural stability.
03
The bent A-frame design creates dynamic interior spaces while optimizing natural light.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems integrate seamlessly with the landscape for sustainable water management.
05
Modular layout allows for flexible use and adaptation to community needs over time.

The project under analysis is a contemporary architectural design located in an urban context that seamlessly integrates functionality and aesthetic appeal. This design serves as a multifunctional space aimed at enhancing community engagement while reflecting modern architectural values. Its composition addresses the needs of its users while maintaining a thoughtful dialogue with the surrounding environment.

The project's architectural design emphasizes a coherent relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitating natural light infiltration and creating a fluidity that is crucial for user interaction. The layout employs an open design principle that promotes accessibility and movement, allowing users to navigate through the facility effortlessly. This spatial organization is essential in fostering community connections, encouraging social interaction and collaboration among users.

Innovative Material Choices and Sustainability
A distinguishing feature of this architectural project is its commitment to sustainability through the thoughtful selection of materials. High-performance glass is utilized extensively, providing thermal efficiency while maximizing views of the exterior landscape. Composite materials are skillfully incorporated to reduce the building's carbon footprint, demonstrating a progressive approach to sustainable design. Additionally, the use of reclaimed wood not only adds aesthetic warmth but also reinforces the project’s environmental ethos.

The design integrates green technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels, optimizing energy efficiency. These elements collectively contribute to a reduced ecological impact while enhancing the overall functionality of the building. The incorporation of green roofs further exemplifies this commitment, promoting biodiversity and reducing urban heat island effects.

Innovative Structural Solutions
This architectural design embraces innovative structural solutions that set it apart from conventional buildings. The use of cantilevered elements allows for expansive outdoor terraces, creating dynamic spaces that extend the usable area beyond traditional boundaries. This design choice also modifies the structural load distribution, enabling flexibility in interior layouts. Open spaces are defined by a modular approach, facilitating various configurations that can adapt to the changing needs of the community.

Incorporating biophilic design principles, the project features lush landscaping that is intertwined with architectural elements. This connection between nature and built form not only enhances user experience but also contributes to improved mental well-being, thereby reinforcing the design philosophy of holistic user engagement.

The project stands as a testament to contemporary architectural practices that prioritize sustainability, user engagement, and a strong sense of place. Its carefully considered materiality, innovative structural strategies, and commitment to environmental stewardship serve as commendable examples within the field. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design approach, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation in detail.

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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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