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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Urban Habitat

Authors:
Laís Gomes, Sayuri Dantas, Paula Manzone
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Create Sustainable Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles with cross-laminated timber panels, the design enhances sustainability and aesthetics while creating a versatile community space that blends seamlessly with its urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure incorporates a unique bent A-frame design, enhancing both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
02
Charred wooden shingles are utilized for their natural weather resistance and visual texture, setting the project apart in its urban environment.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide not only sustainability but also excellent thermal performance, contributing to energy efficiency.
04
The layout features adaptable communal spaces that encourage social interaction while maintaining privacy zones for individuals.
05
Landscaping integrates native plant species, promoting biodiversity and minimizing maintenance needs in the surrounding area.
The architectural project under analysis is a thoughtfully designed structure that embodies a harmonious blend of functionality, aesthetics, and contextual relevance. At its core, the project represents a contemporary interpretation of space, crafted to serve a specific purpose while enhancing the surrounding environment. This design pushes the boundaries of traditional architecture by fostering an innovative dialogue between built forms and their natural surroundings.

Functionally, the project is designed to facilitate a dynamic range of activities, accommodating both public and private uses. The architects have meticulously arranged the layout to ensure optimal circulation and accessibility, making the space user-friendly and intuitive. This attention to functionality is a key aspect of the design, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of how space is experienced and utilized in everyday life.

One of the most prominent features of the project is its materiality. The architects have selected a diverse palette of materials that not only contributes to the visual appeal of the structure but also enhances its performance. This selection includes concrete, glass, steel, and wood, each chosen for its unique properties. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, ensuring durability and longevity, while large expanses of glass invite natural light deep into the interior, creating an open and inviting atmosphere. Steel accents provide structural support as well as aesthetic intrigue, and the use of wood adds warmth, fostering a sense of connection to nature.

The design takes an innovative approach by integrating sustainable practices throughout the project. The architects have incorporated passive design strategies, such as orienting windows to maximize natural ventilation and daylight, thereby reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems. Additionally, the landscaping is carefully considered, utilizing native plant species to minimize water usage and promote biodiversity. This commitment to sustainability is not merely an afterthought but is woven into the very fabric of the architectural decisions, showcasing a modern ethos in responsible design.

The unique spatial organization is another highlight of the project, which employs an open floor plan that encourages fluid movement and interaction among users. This layout is further enhanced by strategically placed focal points, such as communal spaces and quiet nooks, which offer opportunities for both collaboration and contemplation. The flexibility of space allows for various configurations to suit different needs as they arise, demonstrating a progressive understanding of how architectural spaces can adapt over time.

The exterior façade of the project also warrants attention, thoughtfully responding to its geographical context. The design incorporates elements that echo the landscape, creating a sense of belonging within its environment. Textured surfaces and varying planes contribute to visual interest, while also serving the functional purpose of mitigating weather conditions and reinforcing the structure's resilience. Furthermore, the careful use of color reflects the surrounding context, enhancing the integration of the building with its natural and urban surroundings.

Throughout the design process, the architects have remained focused on the overarching vision of creating a space that not only meets the immediate needs of its users but also contributes positively to the broader community. By prioritizing human experience, ecological sustainability, and contextual relevance, this project stands as a testament to how thoughtful architectural design can influence the way we live and interact.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of this architectural endeavor, reviewing elements such as the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the project manifests its conceptual underpinnings. Engaging with these resources will illuminate the intricate details and thoughtful strategies employed in this exemplary piece of architecture.
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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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