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Charred Wooden Shingles and Bamboo Elements Shape a Sustainable Community Space

Authors:
Teik Rong Khoo, Katie Tan
Charred Wooden Shingles and Bamboo Elements Shape a Sustainable Community Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and bamboo, the design emphasizes sustainable building practices and community integration, serving as a multifunctional hub for social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and reduced carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while integrating with the landscape.
04
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
05
Bamboo elements are used for finishes, promoting rapid renewability and local craftsmanship.
The architectural project under analysis presents a cohesive blend of form and function, situated within a carefully considered geographical context. The design embodies a commitment to sustainability while addressing the needs of its intended users. Through a seamless integration of various architectural elements, this project serves as a model for contemporary architectural practices.

The structure features an open-plan layout, optimizing space for communal activities while allowing for privacy in designated areas. Large windows and sliding doors foster natural light penetration and ventilation, thereby enhancing user comfort and reducing energy reliance. The façades, crafted with a combination of materials, not only express visual continuity with the surrounding landscape but also contribute to thermal efficiency.

Innovative Material Use

The project distinguishes itself through the thoughtful selection of materials that prioritize sustainability and local craftsmanship. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone, providing durability and resilience. Bamboo is featured prominently in flooring and wall finishes, incorporating a material known for its rapid regrowth and minimal ecological impact. Extensive use of glass maximizes daylight, while brick cladding adds warmth and contributes to passive solar heating. Steel elements supplement structural integrity while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic.

Rainwater harvesting systems and green roofs are also integral components of the design. These features address water conservation and promote biodiversity, setting the project apart from conventional architectural approaches that often neglect ecological considerations.

Spatial Dynamics and Functionality

The project’s interior design promotes fluid interaction within communal spaces, which are adaptable for diverse user activities. The entrance area, marked by a cantilevered roof, serves as a transitional space connecting the outdoor environment with the interior. Flexible common areas are designed for gatherings and events, responding to the need for communal engagement.

Private quarters are strategically placed to provide a retreat from the social dynamics of the shared spaces. Each unit offers orientation towards the landscape, reinforcing the connection between built form and natural surroundings. Furthermore, smart home technologies are integrated to enhance usability and energy efficiency, reflecting a modern understanding of user needs.

This architectural project not only meets functional requirements but also contributes to a greater environmental narrative, advocating for sustainability through design. The innovative use of materials and the consideration of ecological impacts represent a forward-thinking approach to contemporary architecture. For those interested in a deeper exploration of the architectural elements, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, a detailed project presentation is available for further insights.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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