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Charred Wood Shingles and Stone Façade in a Flexible Community Space

Author:
Natalia Fira
Charred Wood Shingles and Stone Façade in a Flexible Community Space

Project in-detail

Charred wood shingles and a robust stone façade define a sustainable structure designed for community engagement, providing essential spaces for collaboration and horticultural activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a gray water recycling system for sustainable water management.
02
Incorporates a greenhouse that aids in natural temperature regulation year-round.
03
Features a flexible layout designed specifically for both communal and individual uses.
04
Utilizes a dark roofing material to optimize solar energy absorption for water heating.
05
Accessible design elements ensure inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
The Guest Green House is an architectural project designed to promote sustainable living while catering to communal and individual needs. Located in a natural environment, this structure serves multiple functions, including a communal workshop, service area, and greenhouse, while also providing individual accommodation. The project emphasizes ecological design principles, affordability, and accessibility, creating a space where nature and community intersect.

Sustainable materials and innovative systems characterize the architectural design, optimizing energy efficiency and resource management. The use of stone in the lower façade provides thermal mass while contributing to the building's durability. The upper sections utilize wood and plexiglass, allowing for natural light infiltration, creating an inviting atmosphere, and enhancing user experience. The roofing system is designed to absorb solar energy, supporting water heating via PEX pipes, thus reducing operational costs.

Design Innovations that Enhance Functionality

The Guest Green House incorporates unique design elements that distinguish it from conventional residential or community-building projects. The integration of a comprehensive gray water recycling system allows for sustainable water use, channeling reused water from sinks and showers into garden irrigation. This innovative approach emphasizes resource conservation while fostering ecological responsibility.

The building layout prioritizes accessibility, featuring wide pathways and thoughtful connections between spaces to support users with disabilities. It encourages social interaction through the design of communal areas and private rooms, ensuring versatility in relation to individual or group activities. This thoughtful arrangement promotes an inclusive environment, catering to a diverse range of occupants and uses.

Architectural Considerations and Design Details

The architectural design employs a variety of features that enhance its overall functionality. The ground floor is organized as a communal zone, transitioning into private accommodations on the upper floor. This layout balances public and private experiences, catering to different audience needs.

The greenhouse serves as a central feature, supporting plant growth while also acting as a thermal regulator for the building. The design's embrace of natural systems extends to the planting strategy, which complements indoor climate management.

In summary, the Guest Green House exemplifies a practical and functional approach to sustainable architecture. With its commitment to ecological integrity, cost-effective materials, and inclusivity, the project stands as an example of modern sustainable design principles.

For more detailed insights into the project, including architectural plans, sections, and further design elements, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. This deeper examination will provide a greater understanding of the architectural ideas and unique features that define this innovative project.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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