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Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Facades Defining a Community Learning Space

Authors:
Alejandro Sánchez Castillo, Roxana Gonzalez Vasquez, Ángel Alaín Díaz López, Karina García Benitez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Facades Defining a Community Learning Space
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Incorporating charred wooden shingles and durable brick facades, the design creates a visually cohesive learning environment for tattoo artistry that emphasizes community interaction and cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that optimize structural stability and sustainability.
03
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and space efficiency.
04
Includes dedicated exhibition areas for showcasing student artwork and community engagement.
05
Integrates landscaped outdoor spaces for informal gatherings and enhanced learning environments.

## Overview

The Tattoo Academy in Melbourne, Australia, is designed to merge the cultural significance of tattooing with contemporary educational requirements. This facility incorporates various functional elements while fostering a sense of community and preserving the tradition of storytelling inherent in the art of tattooing.

### Architectural Strategy and Spatial Organization

The architecture employs a modular layout that balances public engagement with private educational spaces. The configuration features interconnected sections, including workshops, galleries, and presentation areas, promoting interaction among users. Transitional zones facilitate movement, guiding visitors from outside to the interior environment, while communal areas encourage casual gatherings, enhancing the community experience.

Green spaces are integrated into the design, softening the structure's lines and contributing to the overall aesthetic. These elements serve both functional and environmental purposes, supporting sustainability principles while creating a conducive atmosphere for learning and reflection.

### Material Selection and Cultural Reflection

The project predominantly utilizes brick, which signifies durability and permanence, paralleling the tradition of tattoo artistry. The varied texture and color of the bricks contribute to a sense of authenticity that resonates with the meticulous nature of tattooing. Glass elements are strategically placed to enhance natural light throughout the space, promoting transparency and visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape. Timber features are incorporated to provide warmth and an organic aesthetic, further supporting the themes of community and tradition integral to the academy's mission.

By centering its design around the narratives of tattooing, the academy elevates the art form to an educational venue, fostering a cultural appreciation that extends beyond aesthetics. The thoughtful integration of local materials and green infrastructure reflects a commitment to sustainability, aligning the project's values with contemporary architectural practices.

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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.

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Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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