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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable Community Spaces

Authors:
Azat Dzhunushev, Niccoló Rimoldi, Sung-ching Lo, Cesar A salas, Cesar a Salas
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Define Sustainable Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design emphasizes sustainability and local materials, facilitating a versatile community space that fosters interaction and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted using sustainably sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.
03
Features a distinct bent A-frame design, promoting natural light and efficient air circulation.
04
Utilizes a rainwater harvesting system integrated into the landscape for sustainable water management.
05
Includes multifunctional spaces designed to adapt to various community activities and events.

The project under analysis exemplifies a synthesis of functional design and contextual sensitivity in its architectural response to the surrounding environment. The design integrates various aspects of sustainable architecture while addressing specific user needs and site conditions. The building's layout is thoughtful, aiming to enhance both spatial flow and user interaction.

One of the key functions of the project is to seamlessly merge its internal spaces with the external environment, promoting interaction between occupants and the natural landscape. This is achieved through large, strategically placed windows and open spaces that encourage natural light penetration and ventilation. The architectural design prioritizes user experience, providing well-defined areas for social interaction as well as private retreats.

The unique aspect of this project lies in its material selection and construction techniques. The usage of locally sourced materials not only minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also reflects the cultural and geographical context of the area. For this project, materials such as thermal mass concrete, engineered wood, and low-emissivity glass have been utilized, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

Further distinguishing this project is its incorporation of green technology. The integration of photovoltaic panels on the roof and a rainwater harvesting system underscore a commitment to environmental sustainability. These features not only enhance the building's performance but also provide educational opportunities for users about renewable energy and resource conservation.

The internal organization of the spaces reflects a modern approach to design. With multifunctional areas, the layout accommodates a range of activities while maintaining a sense of openness. This flexibility supports various functions, from collaborative work to individual tasks, which is increasingly relevant in today's diverse environments.

The interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces is an essential design element. Landscaped areas are interwoven with the structure, allowing for a seamless transition that promotes well-being and interaction with nature. Design decisions such as overhangs and shading devices further optimize comfort levels by minimizing direct sunlight exposure while still maintaining connection to the outdoors.

For those seeking a more in-depth understanding of the project's conceptual framework and technical details, it is recommended to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs available in the project presentation. These resources will provide further insights into the architectural ideas that shaped this project, highlighting its unique contributions to contemporary architecture.

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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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