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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Mixed-Use Community Space

Author:
I hsiang Wang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create a Harmonious Mixed-Use Community Space

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels unite to form a sustainable mixed-use development that enhances community interaction and environmental integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural strength while reducing carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
04
Integrated green roofs support local biodiversity and aid in stormwater management.
05
Flexible interior layouts accommodate various community functions and activities.

The project under analysis is a versatile architectural design located in a dynamic urban environment. It serves primarily as a mixed-use development, integrating residential, commercial, and communal spaces. Designed with a focus on community engagement, the project aims to foster interaction among users and strengthen ties within the neighborhood. The design emphasizes a balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal, creating an environment that is both welcoming and practical.

A key feature of this architecture is its thoughtful integration into the site. The layout responds to the surrounding context, providing an appropriate scale and massing that respects neighboring structures while offering differentiation. The facade employs a combination of modern materials, including glass, steel, and sustainably sourced wood, creating a visually appealing exterior that harmonizes with the natural landscape.

The project's unique design approach includes the use of an open-floor plan that enhances accessibility and flexibility, allowing spaces to be adapted for different functions. Large windows flood the interior with natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing occupant comfort. Green roofs and living walls are strategically implemented to provide natural insulation and promote biodiversity, thereby integrating sustainability into the architectural design.

One distinguishing aspect of this project is its commitment to sustainable architecture. The design incorporates advanced energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting, which significantly lower the ecological footprint. This holistic approach towards sustainability reflects a growing trend within the architectural field, prioritizing environmental responsibility while serving the needs of the community.

The project features communal areas designed to facilitate social interaction, including landscaped gardens and gathering spaces that encourage community activities. These areas reflect the ethos of the design, which aligns with modern urban living where connection and collaboration are valued. Additionally, the strategic positioning of commercial spaces allows for easy access and encourages local entrepreneurship, contributing positively to the neighborhood's economy.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural design, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which includes detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas. These elements provide deeper insights into the project’s innovative approach, material selection, and overall architectural strategy.

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

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Competition organisers

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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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