Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Community Hub Embracing Nature

Author:
David Mayer
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Community Hub Embracing Nature

Project in-detail

Employing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design forms a seamless connection with nature while serving as a vibrant community hub for gatherings and events.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and low maintenance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that offer superior structural strength while reducing carbon footprint.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame structure that maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the interior.
04
Integrates outdoor gathering spaces seamlessly into the design, promoting community interaction.
05
Utilizes an open floor plan that adapts to various functions, allowing flexibility for public and private events.
The architectural project under examination presents a thoughtful synthesis of form, function, and context. Designed to serve a multi-faceted purpose, the project embodies an innovative approach towards modern architectural ideals while respecting its geographical surroundings. It stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between architecture and the environment, showcasing how design can incorporate local characteristics and communal needs.

At its core, the project serves to facilitate a series of functional spaces that cater to both individual users and larger groups. This duality is paramount, as it reflects the increasing demand for venues that promote both private contemplation and public interaction. The design, equipped with versatile areas, allows for events, gatherings, and everyday activities, emphasizing adaptability as a fundamental principle of its architectural intent.

The exterior of the project is rendered in a palette of materials that reinforce sustainability and aesthetic continuity. Predominantly, the design utilizes locally sourced materials, including indigenous stone and timber, which not only respond to the local environment but also minimize transportation energy costs. Glass elements are strategically incorporated to enhance natural lighting and facilitate views, effectively blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The integration of such materials reflects a conscious decision to prioritize ecological impact and a sustainable future within the architectural discipline.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in the roofline and spatial organization. The structure features a series of undulating forms that mimic the natural topography of the site, enhancing the experience of movement through the space. This kinetic quality enriches the user experience, inviting exploration while maintaining a cohesive flow from one area to another. Furthermore, the implementation of an open floor plan fosters a sense of community, allowing for an unhindered exchange of ideas and interactions among users.

An important aspect of the design is its connection to the local culture and community. Engaging with local artisans not only strengthens this connection but promotes cultural continuity. Elements within the design may feature motifs or materials that resonate with the history and traditions of the area, encouraging users to forge a deeper connection with their surroundings.

The project's attention to detail is noteworthy. Elements such as window placements, shading devices, and landscaping contribute to energy efficiency while enhancing the sensory experience within the space. The thoughtful arrangement of gardens and outdoor sitting areas encourages people to engage with nature, promoting well-being and relaxation. In this way, the architecture transcends mere functionality, offering a space that nurtures mental and social health.

The interplay of light and shadow within the designed spaces emerges as a pivotal theme. Natural light is harnessed not only to illuminate but also to define the atmosphere of each area throughout different times of the day. This conscious manipulation of light further animates the experience of the space, as it shifts and changes, creating dynamic environments that users can enjoy.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs reveals a meticulous approach to scaling and detailing that ensures the project stands resilient against the elements while maintaining the integrity of its design philosophy. This careful planning fosters a unified architecture that is both modern in its aesthetics and traditional in its respect for context.

In the broader context of contemporary architecture, this project exemplifies how thoughtful design can address both environmental considerations and the needs of the community. It encourages us to rethink how architecture contributes to our daily lives and the communities we inhabit. As developments in architectural ideas continue to evolve, projects like this serve as a potent reminder of the balance between innovation and tradition.

For those interested in delving deeper into this architectural endeavor, a closer examination of the architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide valuable insights into the meticulous processes and concepts that drove the project. Engaging with these elements will unveil the complexity and depth of thought inherent to this compelling architectural narrative.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy