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Charred Wood Shingles and Triple-Glazed Glass Create a Flexible Workspace Center Emphasizing Community Wellness

Author:
Carla De haro
Charred Wood Shingles and Triple-Glazed Glass Create a Flexible Workspace Center Emphasizing Community Wellness

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wood shingles and designed with triple-glazed glass, this vibrant community center seamlessly blends sustainability with flexibility, fostering social interaction and wellness in an urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal while promoting fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized to provide structural strength while minimizing the building's environmental footprint.
03
A dynamic bent A-frame shape cultivates an engaging interior space that adapts to various communal activities.
04
The project features a vegetated roof that supports local biodiversity and improves stormwater management.
05
Triple-glazed windows facilitate energy efficiency while maximizing natural light, contributing to occupant well-being.
The project under analysis is an architectural endeavor known as "The Ribbon," designed as a Center for Advancement of Social and Environmental Wellness. This architectural project captures the growing recognition of community-centric workspaces and environmental mindfulness, reflecting the shifts in societal dynamics that have emerged in recent times. The design is characterized by its fluid, ribbon-like form, which allows for a seamless integration with the landscape while promoting interaction and connectivity among users.

At its core, "The Ribbon" represents a transformation in how built environments foster community relationships and enhance well-being. It moves away from traditional office configurations towards a model that supports collaboration, creativity, and health. The design embodies a vision for a sustainable future, where spaces encourage social engagement and mindful use of resources, effectively contributing to the overarching goal of promoting wellness at both the individual and community levels.

Functionally, the project encompasses a diverse range of areas tailored to meet various user needs. There are open collaborative workspaces designed to facilitate teamwork and brainstorming, alongside dedicated wellness facilities that offer space for physical and mental health initiatives. The project also includes educational components, allowing for skill development and knowledge exchange within the community. Each of these spaces is purposefully designed to adapt and shift in response to evolving societal needs, embodying flexibility as a core tenet of its architecture.

A key feature of "The Ribbon" is its unique architectural form. The undulating structure not only provides visual interest but also creates distinct spatial experiences throughout the building. As users navigate the space, they encounter varying heights and perspectives that encourage exploration and interaction. This dynamic approach to design fosters an environment that feels alive and responsive, aligning with the project's mission to enhance human connection and wellness.

Materiality plays a significant role in the integrity of the project. The use of natural materials, such as wood, establishes a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with users. The integration of triple-glazed low-E glass ensures energy efficiency while allowing abundant natural light to permeate the interiors. Additionally, the incorporation of photovoltaic collectors underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability, harnessing solar energy to support the building's operational needs. Collectively, these materials reflect thoughtful consideration of both environmental impact and user experience.

Community engagement is at the heart of the design. Open spaces are thoughtfully integrated to invite public interaction, blurring the boundaries between private and communal areas. The green roofs and landscaped courtyards serve as vital zones for relaxation, socializing, and fostering a sense of belonging among users. Such an emphasis on communal space echoes the essential human need for connection, demonstrating the role of architecture in shaping social behaviors.

The project's design strategies also emphasize environmental stewardship and resilience. The building incorporates several sustainable features, such as passive cooling techniques and efficient façade designs that minimize energy consumption while maximizing ventilation. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also enhances the overall user experience, promoting health and comfort.

"The Ribbon" illustrates how architecture can serve as a catalyst for positive change, addressing contemporary issues through innovative design approaches. The project encourages exploration and understanding of architectural plans, sections, and designs that embody these principles. By delving into the project's presentation, viewers can gain deeper insights into the architectural ideas that guide this thoughtful and relevant endeavor. For those interested in the intersection of architecture, community, and sustainability, examining "The Ribbon" is a valuable opportunity to explore how design can influence our lives and environments.
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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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