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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Flexible Community Space

Author:
Mohammed O. S. Kraim
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Flexible Community Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design seamlessly merges with its surroundings, offering a flexible community space that fosters interaction and cultural exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while maintaining a unique profile.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to promote eco-friendly resource management.
05
Explores modular spaces that can be easily reconfigured for various community activities.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful synthesis of form, function, and context, manifesting a defined vision that resonates with both its surroundings and intended use. This design encapsulates a commitment to sustainability while incorporating contemporary aesthetic values, resulting in a structure that is not only visually appealing but also pragmatically functional.

Situated in a geographical context that accentuates its architectural significance, this project serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it functions as a community gathering space, designed to foster interaction among visitors while promoting cultural exchange. The layout considers both the physical and social activity spaces necessary for hosting events, providing areas for exhibitions, workshops, and communal activities. By considering the flow of movement and the interconnections between different areas, the project creates a harmonious environment that encourages engagement and collaboration.

In terms of materiality, the project employs a diverse range of materials that reinforce its conceptual intentions. The use of locally sourced timber not only underscores a commitment to sustainable building practices but also connects the structure with its natural surroundings. This choice enhances the aesthetic warmth of the design and supports environmental stewardship by minimizing transport-related carbon footprints. Complementing the timber are elements of glass and concrete, which offer a modern contrast and introduce transparency that allows for natural light to permeate the interior. The strategic use of these materials reflects an ethos of permeability, inviting the outside in while providing visual connections to the landscape.

Additionally, the architectural design incorporates green roofs and living walls, which serve multiple purposes, including improving building insulation, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the project. These features not only exemplify contemporary sustainable architecture but also signify a proactive approach to urban ecology, illustrating the project’s adaptability to climate considerations.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in its structural form. The architects opted for an innovative roof design that creates a dynamic silhouette while responding to the functional requirements beneath. This unconventional roof structure also plays a vital role in rainwater harvesting, a feature that further emphasizes sustainability and resource management. By utilizing architecture as a medium to address these modern challenges, the project becomes a beacon of forward-thinking design principles.

The open-plan layout signifies a departure from traditional compartmentalized spaces, allowing for flexibility and versatility within the building’s function. Movable partitions enhance this adaptability, enabling users to configure spaces according to various needs, thereby affirming the project's relevance to contemporary lifestyles. Such flexibility is crucial in community-driven projects, where diverse activities often require the ability to transform environments swiftly and effectively.

Landscaping plays an essential role in the overall project, as outdoor spaces are seamlessly integrated with the indoor environment. This not only extends the usable area of the facility but also encourages users to engage with nature, reinforcing mental well-being and social interaction. The landscape design employs native plant species that require minimal maintenance and water, aligning with sustainable practices while accentuating the local ecological identity.

In summary, this architectural project encapsulates a fusion of ecological, functional, and aesthetic concerns, representing a significant contribution to the contemporary architectural landscape. Its careful consideration of materials, innovative design solutions, and community-oriented spaces underscore a potent narrative that resonates with modern audiences. For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and unique ideas that underline this design, exploring the project presentation will yield a comprehensive understanding of its intricacies and intentions. Engaging with this project not only reveals the architectural strategies employed but also invites contemplation on the broader implications of design within community contexts.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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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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