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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create an Urban Community Hub

Author:
Ralph Denish Agno
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create an Urban Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design creates a welcoming urban community hub that fosters social interaction while seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates charred wooden shingles to enhance durability while offering a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency and promote sustainability in construction.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes space utilization while creating dynamic interior volumes.
04
Community-focused design features adaptable spaces that cater to diverse social activities.
05
Integrated green elements, such as vertical gardens, support local biodiversity and environmental health.
The project under analysis represents a thoughtful exploration of modern architectural principles, synthesizing aesthetic appeal with functional requirements to create a cohesive and engaging environment. This architectural design serves as a multi-purpose facility located in an urban area characterized by a densely populated setting where spatial efficiency and adaptability are paramount. The intent behind the design is to foster community engagement while accommodating a variety of activities that reflect the diverse needs of the surrounding population.

From a functional perspective, the project is organized into distinct yet interconnected zones that cater to different uses. Public spaces such as an open plaza and community gathering areas are seamlessly integrated with private spaces designed for individual use or smaller group interactions. This thoughtful arrangement encourages social interaction while providing areas for personal reflection or quieter activities. The design emphasizes permeability, allowing for ease of movement both within the building and in relation to the surrounding urban fabric, which is essential in enhancing accessibility for all users.

Materiality plays a critical role in defining the project’s identity and atmosphere. A combination of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, polished concrete, and glass elements not only meets environmental standards but also enhances the sensory experience of the space. The choice of reclaimed wood for cladding and interior finishes reflects a commitment to sustainability while adding warmth and natural texture to the environment. The polished concrete floors provide a modern aesthetic with durability, complementing the design’s contemporary ethos. Large glass panels strategically positioned throughout the structure create a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors while offering visual continuity with the surrounding landscape.

The architectural design embodies various unique approaches that set it apart from conventional structures. One notable feature is the innovative use of modular elements that allow for flexibility in spatial arrangement. The design accommodates future changes in use without necessitating extensive renovations, a principle that aligns with contemporary thoughts on adaptability in architecture. Additionally, the incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes ecological balance, improving air quality and supporting local biodiversity.

Landscaping has been meticulously integrated into the overall design, with native planting schemes that reflect the geographic context of the project’s location. This not only reinforces sustainability goals but also fosters a sense of place that resonates with the community’s heritage and environmental surroundings. By maintaining an organic relationship between built form and natural landscape, the architecture presents an opportunity for users to engage with nature while navigating through the urban environment.

In terms of architectural outcome, this project stands as a testament to the evolution of contemporary architectural thinking that prioritizes user experience, sustainability, and community interaction. The harmonious blend of functional spaces enriched with thoughtful design elements demonstrates how architecture can effectively serve its purpose while enhancing the quality of life for its occupants. The project's emphasis on transparency through its extensive use of glass, alongside the intimate scale of public spaces, invites users to engage with their environment and each other, fostering community spirit.

The careful consideration of both aesthetic and functional elements culminates in a project that embodies modern architectural ideals without succumbing to trends that may overshadow user needs. To gain a deeper understanding of the architectural strategies employed, including the architectural plans, sections, and design principles, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. This exploration offers valuable insights into how thoughtful design can influence and enhance everyday experiences within our built environments.
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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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