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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilia in a Medium-Large Community Workspace

Authors:
Alia Beyg, Carmen Reyes
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilia in a Medium-Large Community Workspace

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and incorporating biophilic design, this community workspace not only enhances sustainable practices but also fosters creativity and collaboration among its users.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof to enhance biodiversity and manage stormwater.
02
Features a modular interior layout that allows for flexible reconfiguration.
03
Utilizes locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.
04
Designed to maximize natural ventilation through strategic orientation.
05
Integrates solar panels for energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
The architectural project under discussion represents a thoughtful response to its environment, reflecting a blend of functionality and aesthetic considerations while embodying a commitment to sustainability. Located in an urban area, the building serves a dual purpose, functioning simultaneously as a community hub and a center for innovation. This project is dedicated to fostering collaboration and creativity, showcasing how architecture can shape social interactions and enhance the urban fabric.

The design emphasizes open, adaptable spaces that encourage various uses and interactions. With a focus on natural light, large windows are strategically placed to illuminate the interior, creating a welcoming atmosphere for users. The layout promotes fluid movement throughout the building, facilitating connections between different areas while providing areas for both collaboration and privacy. This objective is achieved through careful spatial planning, where the seamless flow is complemented by distinct zones tailored for specific activities, from informal meeting areas to more formal workspaces.

Materiality plays a critical role in the project, with an emphasis on sustainable and locally sourced materials that reduce the environmental impact. The exterior facade is composed of warm-toned brick, which not only harmonizes with the surrounding architecture but also provides durability and aesthetic appeal. Glass elements are incorporated to enhance transparency and visual connectivity with the outdoors, inviting the surrounding landscape into the indoor experience. These choices reflect a sensitivity to the local context and an understanding of the need for buildings to adapt to their environment.

A unique aspect of the design is its integration of green technologies and sustainable practices. This project incorporates a green roof, which not only contributes to biodiversity but also assists in managing stormwater and reducing heat island effects typical in urban settings. Photovoltaic panels are strategically placed to harness solar energy, promoting energy efficiency while aligning with contemporary architectural ideas that prioritize sustainability. Additionally, the building's orientation has been carefully considered to maximize natural ventilation, thereby reducing the reliance on artificial cooling systems.

The interior spaces are enriched with flexible furnishings and movable partitions, allowing occupants to reconfigure the environment based on their needs. This adaptability is vital, as it ensures the building can evolve alongside its community and respond to changing uses over time. The choice of interior materials continues the sustainable theme, with finishes that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Community engagement is a pivotal element of the project, evident in its design approach that encourages public usage and interaction. The inclusion of multi-purpose areas, such as an exhibition space and a café, promotes a gathering point for residents and visitors alike, enhancing the sense of place and community ownership. This focus on user experience highlights a growing trend in architecture that prioritizes the needs of individuals and communities over mere structural aesthetics.

The architectural design of this project exemplifies how thoughtful planning and execution can create spaces that are not only functional but also resonate with their community context. The seamless integration of sustainable practices, attention to materiality, and a focus on user-centric design collectively demonstrate a commitment to responsible architecture that seeks to positively impact both people and place.

As you explore the project presentation, we encourage you to delve into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and other architectural designs that capture the essence of this innovative approach, providing deeper insights into the architectural ideas that brought this project to life. Discover how this building exemplifies the potential of architecture to serve the needs of a community while embracing principles of sustainability and adaptability.
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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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