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Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Elements Enhance Community Functionality

Authors:
Sara Swida, Jasmine Montina
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Elements Enhance Community Functionality

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and biophilic design elements, the structure emphasizes sustainable materials and flexible spaces to serve as a vibrant community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and improve stability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
04
Integrates vertical gardens into the façade, promoting biodiversity and improved air quality.
05
Employs flexible layout options to adapt to various community activities and needs.

The project presents a contemporary architectural design that exemplifies a thoughtful integration of function, form, and context. It seeks to address the needs of its occupants while promoting sustainability and community interaction. The design reflects a balance between its structural elements and the surrounding environment, utilizing local materials that reinforce its geographical identity.

The project comprises several key components, each serving a distinct function. The main entrance features a well-defined pathway leading visitors through a landscaped area that enhances the approach to the building. Inside, the layout prioritizes open spaces with flexible configurations, allowing for various uses. The strategic placement of windows and open areas fosters natural light penetration, promoting a healthy indoor environment.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the most noteworthy aspects of this project is its commitment to sustainability. Incorporating energy-efficient technologies, the design features solar panels and green roofs that contribute to reduced energy consumption. Water efficiency is also a priority, with systems in place for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. These elements not only minimize the ecological footprint but also serve to educate occupants about sustainable practices.

The façade treatment is another distinctive feature. Utilizing a blend of concrete, wood, and glass, the exterior design emphasizes transparency and connectivity with the outdoors. This choice of materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability across varying weather conditions. The presence of vertical gardens integrated into the façade adds a layer of ecological interaction while improving air quality.

Functionality and Spatial Organization

The project prioritizes functional requirements without compromising design integrity. The interior spaces are organized to foster collaboration and creativity, particularly in communal areas designed for team activities. The use of movable partitions allows for adaptability, catering to different group sizes. Key areas such as conference rooms, lounges, and workspaces are designed to facilitate interaction, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

Additionally, the implementation of biophilic design principles is evident throughout the project. Natural materials are employed not just for their technical properties, but also for their ability to create a calming environment. The design integrates natural elements such as plants and water features, promoting a sense of well-being among users.

For those interested in further exploring the architectural details of this project, examining the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs offers valuable insights into the nuanced considerations made during the design process. Delving into these elements can provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that have been implemented, showcasing the project’s distinctive approach to modern design.

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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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