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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.

### Overview
This architectural design is a mixed-use exhibition space and community center situated in an urban environment, conceived to address both cultural and societal needs. The facility aims to function as a versatile venue for permanent and temporary exhibitions while fostering community interaction and dialogue. The design draws inspiration from the themes of public memory and social engagement, intending to create an interactive and reflective space that engages local residents and visitors alike.

### Spatial Configuration
The building is organized across four levels, each dedicated to specific functions that enhance user experience and accessibility. The first level houses a permanent exhibition focused on historical narratives related to terrorism, offering spacious areas designed for educational displays. The second level provides a public library, featuring quiet reading zones and collaborative spaces to support the community's educational pursuits. The third level serves as a temporary exhibition space, designed with flexible layouts that can accommodate diverse cultural and artistic presentations. The fourth level mirrors the second, allowing for larger gatherings and community events, thereby establishing a multifunctional environment that promotes inclusivity.

### Materiality and Environmental Design
The architectural framework incorporates a variety of materials that fulfill both aesthetic and functional roles. A steel structure underpins the building, providing necessary support and modernity. A glass façade enhances transparency and invites natural light into the interior spaces, creating visual connections with the exterior environment. Concrete contributes durability, while strategically placed metal grating adds a distinctive visual element and facilitates airflow and lighting. Internally, wood finishes introduce warmth, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Sustainability is a core consideration, as the design utilizes natural light and ventilation strategies to enhance energy efficiency, aligning the structure with contemporary environmental standards.

This building features an innovative layered façade, or "skin," designed to respond to environmental conditions, offering protection, thermal management, and privacy without compromising visual connection. Additionally, a central spiral staircase promotes accessibility and encourages interaction among levels, reinforcing the project's community-oriented purpose.

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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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