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Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Form a Spiraling Community Hub for Interaction

Authors:
Eduardo jose Anez alcalde, Valeria Camarra castillo, Jeniffer Roldan carvajal
Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Form a Spiraling Community Hub for Interaction

Project in-detail

With a spiraling design that harmonizes charred wooden shingles and traditional brick, the community space fosters interaction and connection through thoughtfully designed public and private zones.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a unique spiraling layout that promotes user interaction.
03
Incorporates extensive natural light through strategically placed openings.
04
Constructed with locally sourced materials, emphasizing sustainability.
05
Central olive tree serves as a focal point and community symbol.
The project "The Spiral of Life" serves as a community space designed to promote interaction and connection among users. This architectural design embodies the philosophy of growth and community, aptly represented by the central olive tree, which symbolizes stability and continuity. The architecture ensures functionality through carefully crafted spaces that accommodate diverse activities such as social gatherings, performances, meditation, and quiet reflection.

Spatial organization plays a crucial role in this project. The layout consists of interconnected zones that include both public and private areas. Public spaces feature informal seating arrangements and flexible performance areas, encouraging communal activities and fostering a sense of belonging. Private areas are embedded within the surrounding greenery, creating intimate settings conducive to personal contemplation and small gatherings. This dual zoning supports varying user needs and promotes engagement within the community.

Unique Design Approaches

A notable aspect of "The Spiral of Life" is its use of a spiral layout, which is significant in representing life's cyclical nature. This form creates pathways that not only facilitate movement but also encourage interaction among users. Design elements are incorporated to ensure natural light enters the interior spaces through strategically placed openings within the brick façade. These openings allow for optimal lighting conditions while maintaining an aesthetic connection to the exterior landscape.

The project emphasizes sustainability through the selection of materials sourced locally. The use of brick walls provides structural integrity while contributing to the warmth of the interior environment. Clay tiles are employed for the roofing, enhancing the thermal performance of the structure. Local timber is utilized for beams and partitions, reflecting the project's commitment to supporting regional craftsmanship and minimizing environment impact.

Integration of Natural Elements

Central to the design is the olive tree, strategically placed to resonate with the theme of growth and community interaction. The surrounding landscape has been carefully designed to enhance its presence, creating a visual anchor for the architectural components. This integration of natural elements serves a dual purpose, enriching the user experience and reinforcing the connection between the built environment and the natural world.

The project stands out among traditional community spaces due to its thoughtful architectural responsiveness to both community needs and environmental sustainability. By focusing on the relationship between architecture and its users, "The Spiral of Life" effectively creates a nurturing environment that encourages connection and interaction.

For more insights into the "The Spiral of Life" project, you are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and design details that illustrate the thoughtful execution of this innovative design.
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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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