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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Design Define A Versatile Community Facility

Authors:
Valentino Donnini, Flamina D'aria, Elia Fontani, Tommaso Piccardi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Design Define A Versatile Community Facility

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and biophilic design elements, the facility enhances community interaction while providing adaptable spaces for diverse activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and aesthetic warmth.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and spatial volume.
04
Includes modular interior spaces that adapt to a variety of community activities.
05
Integrates landscaped courtyards to promote a connection with nature.

The project is a modern architectural design that embodies both functionality and aesthetic rigor. It serves as a multi-purpose facility, designed to accommodate various community activities and events. The structure integrates seamlessly with its surrounding environment, reflecting considerations of local culture and ecology. The architecture of the project emphasizes adaptability, making it responsive to the diverse needs of its users while maintaining a cohesive design language throughout.

The design features a thoughtful spatial layout that fosters connectivity among different functional areas. This includes open gathering spaces, flexible work zones, and dedicated areas for workshops and exhibitions. The circulation is logically organized, facilitating easy navigation throughout the building. Natural light is strategically harnessed through large openings and skylights, enhancing the interior ambiance while reducing dependency on artificial lighting.

Sustainable design is a cornerstone of this project. It incorporates advanced building materials that reduce environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. Rainwater collection systems and green roofs are integrated into the design, addressing the project’s ecological footprint. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to quality and durability, ensuring the building will serve the community for years to come.

Unique Design Approaches

A distinctive feature of the project is its emphasis on biophilic design principles. The architecture integrates natural elements, such as landscaped courtyards and green walls, promoting a strong connection between occupants and nature. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the space but also contributes to the mental well-being of users.

Another unique aspect is the flexible use of spaces. The project incorporates movable partitions and adaptable furniture, allowing areas to be reconfigured based on specific event requirements. This versatility makes the project suitable for a range of community functions, from workshops to social gatherings. The façade treatment further distinguishes the building, as it features a dynamic interplay of textures and materials, creating visual interest while paying homage to the local architectural vernacular.

Architectural Details and Materials

The use of glass and steel plays a pivotal role in the building’s structural integrity and design sophistication. Large, floor-to-ceiling windows allow for transparency and view corridors, encouraging interaction between indoor and outdoor environments. The project employs high-performance glazing to minimize thermal gain and improve energy efficiency.

Concrete is utilized extensively in the foundation and structural elements, providing durability and stability. Locally sourced timber is featured in the interior and exterior details, reinforcing the project's connection to the regional landscape. This combination of materials fosters a dialogue between modern construction techniques and traditional craftsmanship, resulting in a structure that is both contemporary and contextually relevant.

For additional insights into the project, including its architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation. This exploration will provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that define the project and its significance in contemporary architecture.

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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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