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Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facade Define a Multifunctional Community Space

Authors:
Gustavo Mascarenhas Penko, Gustaco Mascarenhas Penko
Charred Wood Shingles and Transparent Facade Define a Multifunctional Community Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing a charred wood shingle facade and a central spiral staircase, the design creates an inviting multifunctional space that promotes community engagement and education.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a charred wood shingle facade for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to promote sustainability and structural efficiency.
03
Features a central spiral staircase that enhances movement and connectivity between levels.
04
Designed with flexible exhibition spaces that allow for dynamic cultural programming.
05
Emphasizes transparency through extensive glazing, fostering a connection with the surrounding environment.
The project presents an architectural design that integrates exhibition and community spaces in an urban context, addressing themes of public memory and social engagement. The building encompasses four primary levels, each tailored for specific functions, thus enhancing its role as a hub for cultural dialogue and education. This design aims to create a venue for local communities and visitors to access a shared narrative, particularly related to significant historical events.

The architectural design incorporates a durable and cohesive material palette, promoting sustainability while fostering an inviting atmosphere. Key materials utilized include steel for structural support, glass for the facade which enhances transparency and provides natural lighting, and concrete for foundational stability. The careful selection of wood for interior finishes adds warmth, contributing to a welcoming environment.

Unique Integration of Exterior and Interior Spaces
What distinguishes this project from typical exhibition spaces is the innovative approach to its facade and the incorporation of a central spiral staircase. The facade features a layered skin design that not only responds to environmental conditions but also facilitates interaction with the outside world. This concept enhances the building’s adaptability, allowing it to serve multiple functions while maintaining aesthetic integrity.

The spiral staircase serves as a central axis, promoting circulation between levels and encouraging engagement among users. This design choice fosters a sense of connectivity, allowing visitors to traverse the space fluidly and encouraging them to explore various exhibitions and community activities.

Functional Diversity of Spaces
The building is structured into four distinct levels: the first levels are dedicated to a permanent exhibition focusing on historical narratives, while the upper levels incorporate a public library and a flexible temporary exhibition space. Each level is designed with specific purposes in mind, yet they share a coherent architectural language that invites exploration and interaction.

The library spaces are equipped with quiet areas for reading and collaboration, reflecting a commitment to educational accessibility. Simultaneously, the temporary exhibition areas are designed with adaptability at their core, allowing for changing exhibits that highlight various cultural aspects.

This project exemplifies an effective architectural response to community needs through thoughtful design and material use. For those interested in understanding the intricacies of the design, detailed architectural plans and sections are available for review, providing further insights into the project's structural and functional aspects. Consider exploring these elements to fully appreciate the architectural ideas that have shaped this innovative design.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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