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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Collaborative Workspace Amidst Nature

Author:
Christelle Sfeir
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define a Collaborative Workspace Amidst Nature

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a visually compelling workspace that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, fostering collaboration and community connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural efficiency while providing unique visual integrity.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for exterior cladding, promoting fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are incorporated for their strength and sustainability, minimizing environmental impact.
04
A central atrium maximizes natural light and ventilation, creating a healthier workspace environment.
05
The integration of outdoor plazas encourages community interaction and enhances the site’s social dynamics.
The architectural project under consideration represents a thoughtful exploration of design that integrates harmoniously with its natural surroundings. This project emphasizes an aesthetic that is reflective of the geographical context, drawing inspiration from the rugged terrain and distinctive features of the environment, likely reminiscent of arid landscapes similar to the American Southwest. The design embodies a dedication to sustainability, community engagement, and a modern interpretation of architectural forms.

Functionally, the project serves multiple purposes, catering to both individual and communal activities. It encompasses a range of spaces including offices, meeting rooms, and areas designed for collaboration and social interaction. The layout promotes open communication while also respecting the need for privacy within workspaces. Central to the design is an atrium that facilitates natural light and airflow, fostering a healthier indoor environment and connecting occupants with the external landscape.

The strategic use of materials is a hallmark of this design. Notably, the structure features WATERVENT® Cladding, chosen for its durability and weather resistance. This material not only enhances the building's performance but also adds a unique texture to the facade. Complementing this are plywood or OSB sheathing elements that provide structural integrity while maintaining a lightness in form. The inclusion of a weather-resistant barrier further ensures that the interiors remain comfortable and energy-efficient, illustrating a conscientious approach to material selection. Large expanses of glass are incorporated into the design, facilitating transparency and inviting natural light into the interior spaces. This transparency reinforces the connection between the indoor functions and the outdoor scenery, enhancing the overall user experience.

One of the notable aspects of this project is its innovative design approach, characterized by dynamic angles and geometric forms. The architecture effectively mirrors the natural contours of the landscape, creating an organic relationship between the built environment and its surroundings. This consideration of context is pivotal in modern architectural practice as it seeks to minimize disruption to the landscape while enhancing its beauty.

Throughout the design, there is a clear emphasis on fostering community interaction. The inclusion of outdoor plazas and communal areas creates opportunities for social engagement and interaction among users, highlighting an understanding of how architecture can influence social behavior and community building. The project demonstrates that thoughtful architectural design can provide functional spaces without compromising aesthetic considerations or environmental integrity.

In summary, this project exemplifies a modern architectural narrative that prioritizes contextual integration, sustainability, and user experience. The careful selection of materials, the innovative spatial organization, and the design philosophy rooted in connecting individuals with their environment all contribute to a completed work that resonates with both purpose and place. To dive deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and other design elements that make this project truly unique, the reader is encouraged to explore the project presentation for a more comprehensive understanding of its architectural ideas and design outcomes.
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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
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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