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Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facades Creating a Transparent Learning Hub in Urban Context

Authors:
Jiansong Tang, Xiao Lin, Xueling Qiu, Wenyan Li
Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facades Creating a Transparent Learning Hub in Urban Context

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design cultivates an open and engaging environment for tattoo artistry education within a vibrant urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and optimize space.
03
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Includes a rooftop garden that promotes biodiversity and community interaction.
05
Designed with transparent facades that invite public engagement with tattoo artistry.
The Melbourne Tattoo Academy is an architectural project situated in Melbourne, Australia, designed to serve as a dedicated training facility for tattoo artistry while also functioning as a public space. This project reflects a contemporary approach to educational facilities, intertwining the realms of art and community engagement. The academy is tailored to accommodate students and artists, providing spaces that promote both learning and interaction among diverse groups.

The building is divided into two primary zones: the northern sector, which is focused on student training and educational needs, and the southern sector, which facilitates public access and community interaction. This layout is intentional, allowing a clear distinction between educational activities and public engagement, while still encouraging transparency and visibility across the two realms.

The architectural design incorporates a variety of materials to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. Key elements include concrete for structural integrity, expansive glass facades to enhance natural lighting, and wood finishes to create inviting interior environments. The roof garden serves as a vital component of the design, providing green space for relaxation and ecological benefits, enhancing the urban microclimate, and fostering biodiversity.

Unique Design Approaches

The Melbourne Tattoo Academy stands out through its emphasis on community and culture within the tattooing profession. The transparent façades invite passersby to observe the educational processes, challenging any preconceived notions about the tattoo industry. This openness is reflected in the building's architectural language, which prioritizes visibility and interaction.

The undulating roof garden is a distinctive feature of the building, providing a multifunctional landscape that serves both ecological and social purposes. Visitors can traverse the garden, leading to various vantage points of the city, while also experiencing a tangible connection to nature. This incorporation of green space is a significant design choice, aligning with sustainable architecture principles and enhancing the aesthetic quality of the built environment.

Educational and Community-Focused Spaces

The interior spaces of the academy are meticulously designed to support a variety of educational activities, workshops, and community events. High ceilings and open layouts optimize the flow of natural light and encourage collaboration among students. The strategic placement of communal areas fosters interaction between artists and the public, creating a vibrant atmosphere conducive to learning and exchange.

The integration of technology within the learning environments further enhances the academy’s educational function. Dedicated spaces equipped for digital design programs align with modern tattooing practices, ensuring that students gain comprehensive skills relevant to the industry.

The Melbourne Tattoo Academy serves as a model for how architectural design can facilitate education while fostering connections within the broader community. For those interested in delving deeper into this architectural project, exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas will provide further insights into its innovative approaches and functional spaces.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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