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Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Engagement Spaces in Sustainable Community Development

Authors:
Sana Salahi, Cameron Nelson
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Engagement Spaces in Sustainable Community Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive glass facades, the design promotes natural ventilation and community interaction within a versatile space dedicated to fostering collaboration and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates a bent A-frame design that enhances natural light distribution throughout the interior spaces.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized not only for aesthetics but also for their structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide both a unique visual texture and improve the building's fire resistance.
04
The integration of green roofs aligns with local biodiversity goals while offering outdoor spaces for community use.
05
Large glass facades create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments, promoting a strong connection with nature.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context, exemplifying a modern approach to design. Nestled in a carefully selected geographical location, the building embodies a harmonious relationship with its surroundings, while fulfilling its intended purpose with clarity and efficiency. The project’s design reflects an understanding of the site’s natural elements and cultural nuances, manifesting in a structure that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Functionally, the building serves as a multi-use space, designed to accommodate various activities that cater to the community. This versatility is one of the key aspects of its architecture, allowing it to seamlessly transition between different uses throughout the day. The layout emphasizes openness, with interconnected spaces that foster interaction and collaboration. This is achieved through a strategic arrangement of rooms, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interior, enhancing the overall atmosphere. The transparent boundaries created by large windows and open spaces enable a fluid connection between the inside and the outside, inviting both occupants and visitors to engage with the surrounding environment.

A notable aspect of this project is its meticulous attention to materiality. The architects have opted for a carefully curated selection of materials, including concrete, steel, and glass, which not only provide structural integrity but also contribute to the visual narrative of the building. The use of concrete lends a sense of permanence and robustness, while steel frameworks facilitate expansive spans and flexible spatial arrangements. Glass, utilized extensively, allows for unobstructed views and plays a crucial role in connecting the interior spaces with the landscaped exterior, promoting a sense of openness and transparency.

The design also incorporates sustainable elements that speak to contemporary architectural practices. The project utilizes passive design strategies to minimize energy consumption, such as strategically placed overhangs that provide shade while allowing for natural ventilation. Solar panels adorn the roof, generating renewable energy that powers the facility, emphasizing the commitment to sustainability. Moreover, green roofs and landscaped terraces not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the building but also contribute to biodiversity and stormwater management, aligning with modern ecological principles.

In terms of unique design approaches, the project stands out due to its integration of local architectural styles and traditions into a modern framework. This is evident in the choice of color palettes and textural contrasts that resonate with the local vernacular but remain distinctly contemporary. The architects have successfully created a dialogue between the old and the new, which speaks to the identity of the region while providing functionality for the present and future.

The interior spaces have been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for adaptability to various activities and events. Movable partitions enable users to reconfigure the space as needed, accommodating both intimate gatherings and larger events. This thoughtful consideration for user experience highlights the architects' understanding of the social dynamics at play in community spaces.

Throughout the project, there is an evident commitment to enhancing the user experience, as seen in the carefully designed circulation paths that guide movement throughout the building. These paths encourage exploration and interaction, while strategically placed seating areas foster informal gatherings. The overall design promotes a sense of belonging and community, inviting individuals to come together in a welcoming environment.

In summary, this architectural project is not merely a building; it is a synthesis of thoughtful design, ecological awareness, and social engagement. The harmonious blend of materials, innovative use of space, and attention to local context culminate in an architecture that speaks to its purpose and environment. For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the project, exploring the comprehensive presentation materials will provide invaluable insights. These details offer a clearer understanding of the architectural ideas that shaped this thoughtful endeavor, showcasing the practical and aesthetic values inherent in contemporary architecture.
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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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