Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enhance Community Spaces in a Sustainable Design

Authors:
Alyssa Catherine Pennacchi, Kathleen Marie Berger
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enhance Community Spaces in a Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design promotes sustainability while creating versatile community spaces that foster engagement and connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features an innovative bent A-frame design that provides structural stability while maximizing interior space.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels, promoting rapid construction and reducing carbon footprint.
04
Includes an integrated rainwater harvesting system to support sustainable water management.
05
Design emphasizes community interaction through adaptable public spaces and multifunctional areas.
The architectural design project under analysis showcases a thoughtful integration of form, function, and context, establishing a harmonious relationship with its surrounding environment. The project represents a modern response to contemporary architectural challenges, encompassing sustainability, community engagement, and aesthetic coherence. This multifaceted design serves both residential and community needs, ensuring versatility and adaptability within the built environment.

Situated in an urban landscape, the project’s structural framework is characterized by its innovative use of natural materials, promoting a connection to the local context while balancing contemporary design approaches. The prominent façade incorporates locally sourced stone and timber, providing a distinctive regional identity while ensuring durability and sustainability. Glass elements strategically integrated throughout the design enhance natural lighting and ventilation, creating inviting spaces that foster well-being among occupants. This careful selection of materials not only addresses aesthetic considerations but also emphasizes the environmental responsibilities of architecture today.

The interior layout reflects a meticulous arrangement of spaces that prioritize functionality and comfort. Open floor plans are complemented by private zones, facilitating both social interaction and individual retreat. The central atrium acts as the heart of the building, promoting movement and interaction between different areas while allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the structure. This design decision not only enhances the spatial experience but also aids in energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

One of the unique design approaches adopted in this project lies in its responsiveness to local climatic conditions. Architectural features such as overhangs, shading devices, and green roofs are carefully incorporated to mitigate heat gain and enhance energy performance. Furthermore, the inclusion of rainwater harvesting systems and photovoltaic panels underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability, allowing it to operate with minimal impact on the environment.

Engagement with the community is evident in the design’s orientation and accessibility. Public spaces are incorporated thoughtfully, inviting community members to interact with the development. These areas are designed to be multifunctional, accommodating events and activities that foster social cohesion. The seamless transition between private and public realms exemplifies a contemporary architectural ethos that prioritizes integration over segregation, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Furthermore, the choice of color palette and texture throughout the exterior enhances the building’s presence without overwhelming its surroundings. Earthy tones complement the natural landscape, while varied textures invite tactile engagement. This conscious aesthetic strategy ensures that the structure does not merely occupy its site but becomes an integral part of the neighborhood fabric.

Overall, this project is a commendable example of how contemporary architecture can address pressing societal and environmental challenges while remaining aesthetically refined and contextually relevant. The careful orchestration of materials, spatial arrangements, and community-focused design highlights the potential for architecture to foster connections — both spatially and socially.

For those interested in exploring further, reviewing architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs will provide deeper insights into the innovative ideas underpinning this project. Engaging with these materials can offer a comprehensive understanding of the design's nuances and the architectural principles that guide its execution.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy