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Charred Wooden Shingles and Angled Facades Define Sustainable Waterfront Engagement Space

Author:
Xenia Angela Sooniste
Charred Wooden Shingles and Angled Facades Define Sustainable Waterfront Engagement Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and angular facades, the architectural design creates a tangible connection to Estonia's maritime heritage while serving as an engaging waterfront space for community interaction and recreational activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to minimize environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes views of the waterfront.
04
Integrates open communal spaces to encourage social interaction among users.
05
Highlights local maritime heritage through modern architectural interpretation.

### Project Overview

"Ultima Thule" is situated in a waterfront area that reflects Estonia's historical and cultural narrative, emphasizing its maritime connections. The design integrates local heritage with modern architectural practices, creating a space that caters to both community needs and tourism potential. The strategic site plan establishes a cohesive linkage between key structures, including a ferry terminal, boathouse, and officer’s deck, enhancing access to water-related activities.

### Site Plan and Layout

The layout is characterized by three primary structures purposefully arranged to optimize space utilization and facilitate clear circulation. The proximity of these facilities to the waterfront enhances user engagement with the natural environment, promoting accessibility and the integration of ferry services and boating activities into daily life.

### Materiality and Architectural Form

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials, including wood for warmth, glass for transparency, metal cladding for durability, and concrete for structural integrity. The architectural form incorporates sloped roofs and angular facades inspired by traditional Viking longhouses, creating a modern interpretation of historical elements. Expansive glass walls invite users to the building's core while offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Inside, interiors are designed to facilitate community interaction, featuring flexible spaces for gatherings, exhibitions, and social exchanges that cultivate a welcoming atmosphere.

### Cultural Resonance and Sustainability

"Ultima Thule" acts as a cultural anchor, celebrating Estonia's maritime heritage and mythological narratives. The use of renewable materials aligns with sustainable design practices, contributing to reduced environmental impact. The layout and landscaping promote pedestrian movement, enhancing social connectivity among residents and visitors, thereby fostering a sense of place within the community.

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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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