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Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Integration in a Revitalized Military Structure

Authors:
Dian Luo, Guisong Zhang, Xiang Liu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Integration in a Revitalized Military Structure

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and an expansive concrete roof, a repurposed military bunker transforms into a sustainable data center, merging historical context with modern technology in a seamless interaction with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed an original military bunker to preserve historical significance.
02
Utilized charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Integrated cross-laminated timber panels to improve energy efficiency.
04
Features a bent A-frame design to support large open spaces while minimizing construction impact.
05
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to promote sustainability.

## Project Overview

The Data Landscape project is located in the Wourt nature park, an area characterized by mountainous terrain and a historical military presence from World War I. This initiative aims to repurpose an abandoned military bunker into an advanced data center, while also honoring the site's historical significance and its natural surroundings.

## Spatial Strategy and Layout

The design integrates three main architectural volumes: a data center, a residential and office area, and a community center, all thoughtfully arranged to create a cohesive public space. The data center and community center are positioned above ground to ensure accessibility, while the residential and office units are placed semi-underground to enhance privacy and security. A meandering pathway connects these spaces, facilitating visitor movement and interaction. The pathway transitions between gravel and concrete, leading to a central open courtyard that serves as a social hub.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The project employs a carefully selected palette of materials that strengthen the connection between architecture and the landscape. Concrete serves as the primary material for walls and pathways due to its durability, while expansive glass elements enhance natural light and visibility. Stone is utilized in landscaping and flooring, reflecting the site's geological characteristics, and steel is incorporated structurally to support the significant spans required by the main buildings. The design emphasizes sustainability through its integration with the natural topography, minimizing ecological disruption, and preserving the historical context of the original bunker. The community center's inclusion reinforces a focus on social interaction, positioning the site as a hub for local engagement and technology accessibility.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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