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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Panels Shape a Multi-Purpose Community Center

Author:
Hidde Lodewijk Huisinga
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Panels Shape a Multi-Purpose Community Center

Project in-detail

With an innovative use of charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a welcoming community hub that seamlessly integrates sustainability and adaptability to foster local engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a green roof that enhances biodiversity and provides a natural gathering space.
02
The use of charred wooden shingles contributes to fire resistance while offering a distinctive aesthetic.
03
Large, strategically placed windows maximize natural light and minimize energy costs.
04
Interior spaces are adaptable with movable partitions to accommodate various community activities.
05
Reclaimed materials are utilized throughout, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and local sourcing.
The project is a thoughtfully designed architectural endeavor that embodies a harmonious blend of function and aesthetics. Serving as a community center, the building is a focal point for local activities, designed to foster interaction and engagement among residents. The architecture seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, complementing the existing urban fabric while also standing out through its unique design elements.

At the heart of the project lies a commitment to sustainability and responsiveness to the environment. The design incorporates passive solar strategies, utilizing large windows and overhangs to maximize natural light while minimizing heat gain. This careful consideration of environmental factors not only enhances the comfort of the space but also reduces energy consumption, aligning with contemporary green building practices.

The materials selected for the construction of this project reflect a thoughtful approach to durability and aesthetics. A combination of reclaimed wood, exposed concrete, and glass is employed to create a warm yet modern atmosphere. The use of reclaimed wood introduces a sense of warmth and texture, while the concrete provides structural integrity and a contemporary appeal. The extensive glass façades invite transparency and connectivity between the interior spaces and the surrounding environment, creating a dialogue between the building and its locale.

The layout facilitates a flow that encourages social interaction. Open atriums and multi-purpose spaces are strategically positioned to serve as gathering points, where community members can come together for events, workshops, or casual meetings. The architectural design emphasizes flexibility, with movable partitions allowing for varied configurations of the spaces, thus accommodating different activities and group sizes. This adaptability is crucial for a community center, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of its users over time.

Noteworthy elements of the design include a green roof that serves both ecological and community purposes. It not only reduces stormwater runoff and enhances thermal insulation but also provides outdoor space for gatherings or education about sustainable practices. The design reflects an understanding of the site’s ecological context, creating an environment that supports local biodiversity while providing an amenity for users.

The façade of the building is designed to resonate with the surrounding architecture while making a bold statement of its own. The rhythmic arrangement of windows and panels creates visual interest and breaks up the mass of the structure. This careful manipulation of form and light lends the project a dynamic character throughout different times of the day, as shadows play across its surfaces.

Unique design approaches include integrating art installations within the structure that showcase local artists, thus supporting the community's creative expressions. This element of the design is indicative of a broader trend towards incorporating cultural narratives within architectural projects, emphasizing the importance of place and identity in contemporary architecture.

In summary, this architectural project serves as a testament to the thoughtful integration of sustainable practices, community-focused design, and aesthetic sensitivity. It stands as a model for architectural interventions that prioritize user experience and environmental stewardship while remaining relevant to the cultural context. Those interested in exploring the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation. By reviewing these elements, a greater understanding of the architectural ideas and thoughtful considerations that inform this project can be gained.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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