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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Design Embrace Community Interaction and Sustainability

Author:
Luc Spits
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Design Embrace Community Interaction and Sustainability

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design fosters community engagement while embodying a commitment to sustainability, serving as a multifunctional space for local gatherings and activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes charred wooden shingles for both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability against the elements.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels form the structural core, providing strength while maintaining a lightweight feel.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation throughout the space.
04
Sustainability is prioritized through integrated rainwater harvesting systems and green roof features.
05
Community engagement areas are intentionally designed to foster social interactions and public gatherings.
The project under analysis represents a thoughtful integration of architectural design within its environment, showcasing a strong commitment to functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics. Located in a context that enriches its identity, this architectural work serves multifaceted purposes, catering to both the needs of its occupants and the community at large. It encapsulates the essence of contemporary architecture while addressing the historical and cultural narratives of its surroundings.

The architecture prominently features a harmonious blend of open spaces and defined areas, carefully designed to promote interaction and engagement among users. The layout reflects a clear understanding of the dynamics of movement and social interaction, with strategically placed gathering areas that invite collaboration and community engagement. The building’s design prioritizes natural light and ventilation, enhancing the overall user experience and reducing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems.

A significant aspect of the project is its material palette, which includes a thoughtful selection of sustainable materials that contribute both to the building’s aesthetic and its environmental performance. The use of locally sourced materials not only minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also establishes a connection to the local culture and craftsmanship. Various textures and finishes are employed throughout the project, underscoring a commitment to detail while creating an inviting atmosphere. This consideration for materiality plays a crucial role in creating a sense of place and identity for both the building and its users.

The design is characterized by unique architectural features that enhance its functionality and aesthetics. For example, the incorporation of green roofs and living walls not only contributes to the building’s environmental goals but also provides visual relief and promotes biodiversity. These features exemplify a contemporary approach to architecture that emphasizes ecological responsibility, presenting an opportunity for occupants to engage with nature within an urban context. Such elements also reflect a broader trend in architecture that seeks to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.

In addition, the project embraces innovative technologies that support its sustainability objectives. Solar panels are discreetly integrated into the design, allowing the building to harness renewable energy while maintaining a clean visual profile. Water-efficient systems and rainwater harvesting demonstrate a proactive response to resource management, aligning with global efforts towards more sustainable practices in architectural design.

The overall aesthetic of the architecture is a careful balance of form and function, characterized by clean lines and a contemporary silhouette that respects the historical context of the site. The facade presents a dialogue between transparency and enclosure, inviting exploration while providing necessary privacy and protection from the elements. Large windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, further connecting the interior spaces with the outdoors.

The interior layout is designed to cater to a variety of uses, from public spaces that promote interaction to private areas that allow for focused work and contemplation. This flexibility is essential in responding to the evolving needs of the users, fostering a sense of adaptability that is increasingly important in modern architectural practice.

The integration of community-oriented spaces within the project speaks to a broader objective of enhancing social connectivity. By providing areas for events, exhibitions, or casual gatherings, the architecture serves not only as a physical structure but also as a catalyst for community building. This emphasis on social interaction is increasingly relevant in today’s architectural discourse, where the role of buildings extends beyond mere shelter to become integral components of vibrant communities.

Encouraging further exploration, the reader is invited to examine the architectural plans, sections, and various design elements that are pivotal in understanding the depth of this project. A closer look at these architectural designs reveals how thoughtful planning and innovative approaches intersect, creating a space that is not only functional but resonates with the community it intends to serve. This analysis underscores the importance of design in shaping our environments and invites a deeper appreciation of the architectural ideas that inform this compelling project.
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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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