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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Climate-Responsive Community Hub

Author:
Surachatsuvee Kumnuanthip
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Climate-Responsive Community Hub

Project in-detail

With a façade clad in charred wooden shingles and a structure built from cross-laminated timber, the design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere while serving as a vibrant community hub for gathering and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure integrates cross-laminated timber panels, enhancing durability while reducing carbon footprint.
02
The façade is uniquely clad in charred wooden shingles, offering fire resistance and a distinct aesthetic.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and directs natural light effectively.
04
A rainwater harvesting system is incorporated to promote sustainability and efficient resource management.
05
Native landscaping surrounds the building, fostering local biodiversity and ecological stability.
The architectural project under analysis is a thoughtfully designed structure that speaks to its context and fulfills its designated function with both practicality and style. Nestled in a harmonious landscape, this building serves as a community hub, offering spaces for gathering, learning, and interaction. It represents a blend of modern architectural techniques and local materials, creating an environment that respects its surroundings while also addressing contemporary needs.

This architectural design prioritizes sustainability and functionality. By implementing energy-efficient systems and utilizing materials sourced locally, the project reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility. The use of reinforced concrete provides a sturdy foundation, while large expanses of low-emissivity glass bring in natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and enhancing the occupants' connection with the outdoors. This choice of glass not only serves to visually link the interior spaces with the surrounding environment but also contributes to the building’s energy efficiency, ensuring it remains comfortable year-round.

One of the standout features of this project is its innovative spatial organization. The design incorporates an open floor plan that encourages movement and interaction among users while also providing areas of privacy that can be utilized for focused activities. This interplay of open and private spaces is key to the building’s functionality, making it suitable for a variety of uses, including community events, educational programming, and informal gatherings. The layout allows for flexibility, enabling different configurations to accommodate numerous activities, from workshops to social functions.

The façade of the building is particularly noteworthy, combining a combination of sustainable timber cladding with locally-sourced stone to create a tactile and visually engaging exterior. This choice of materials helps ground the building in its geographical context, while the organic textures add warmth to the overall aesthetic. Additionally, these materials are not merely decorative; they play a functional role in offering insulation and reducing energy consumption, aligning with the project’s sustainability goals. Furthermore, the integration of outdoor spaces, such as terraces and gardens, enhances the link between the building and its natural environment, inviting occupants to engage with nature.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The integration of biophilic design principles ensures that users have ample opportunities to connect with nature, which is increasingly recognized as crucial for well-being. This design philosophy is demonstrated in the strategic placement of windows and outdoor areas that foster a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. The architecture also emphasizes local identity, drawing on regional architectural languages and techniques that resonate with community history and culture, further enhancing the sense of place.

In addition to its aesthetic and functional attributes, the building incorporates advanced technology for smart management and energy efficiency. Features such as automated lighting, temperature control, and rainwater harvesting systems showcase a modern approach to architecture that not only focuses on user comfort but also promotes sustainability.

For those interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of this architectural project, reviewing the architectural plans and sections helps to provide a comprehensive understanding of the design principles employed. Observing the architectural designs and ideas illustrated in these documents enhances appreciation for the careful thought and planning that went into this project. Overall, this building serves as a valuable addition to the community, offering a space that is as functional as it is beautiful, demonstrating what thoughtful architecture can achieve in terms of design, sustainability, and community integration. Exploring further details of the project presentation will unveil more insights into the architectural strategies and concepts that define this exemplary work.
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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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