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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enhance Sustainable Learning Spaces

Author:
Arnaud Frederic Baty
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enhance Sustainable Learning Spaces

Project in-detail

Designed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the structure seamlessly integrates outdoor learning environments with the indigenous landscape, promoting a sustainable educational experience for students.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and sustainability while blending with the natural surroundings.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity and thermal efficiency throughout the building.
03
Outdoor classrooms are integrated into the landscape, promoting experiential learning and environmental engagement.
04
The bent A-frame design optimizes natural light and ventilation within educational spaces.
05
Indigenous tree species are incorporated into site planning, reinforcing ecological diversity and local stewardship.
The Tree School is an architectural project located in Montreal, Canada, designed to create a harmonious relationship between educational spaces and the surrounding natural environment. The project intends to serve as a learning facility that encourages interaction with nature while promoting ecological awareness among students. Emphasizing the integration of natural elements, the design fosters an educational experience that transcends traditional classroom boundaries.

The project utilizes a unique architectural approach by prioritizing the preservation and enhancement of the local ecosystem. The selection of indigenous tree species, such as maple and ash, plays a crucial role in shaping the project’s identity. This focus on ecology informs the architectural design, influencing both the layout and the relationships between various educational spaces.

Innovative Design Strategies

One of the distinguishing features of The Tree School is its use of parametric design tools, which facilitate the integration of environmental data into the design process. This approach allows architects to explore various iterations, optimizing spatial organization while ensuring the architectural form responds to the surrounding landscape and tree growth. By drawing inspiration from natural growth patterns, the design effectively incorporates outdoor learning environments that enhance the educational experience.

The building is characterized by its open, flexible spaces designed to maximize natural light and encourage collaboration among students and educators. The extensive use of glass in the façade provides views of the outdoor environment, fostering a continuous connection to nature. Furthermore, outdoor classrooms and communal areas integrate seamlessly with the landscape, enriching the educational opportunities available to students and promoting environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Materiality

The material selection for The Tree School reflects its commitment to sustainability and ecological integrity. Wood serves as the primary building material, highlighting its warmth and connection to the natural world. Additionally, responsibly sourced concrete provides structural stability, ensuring a resilient environment for educational activities. The implementation of green roof systems contributes to biodiversity, stormwater management, and energy efficiency, further reinforcing the project's ecological goals.

For those interested in exploring this innovative architectural endeavor, detailed architectural plans, sections, and design elements can provide deeper insights into the project’s execution and vision. The architectural designs of The Tree School exemplify the potential for educational facilities to engage with their surroundings and promote a greater understanding of environmental issues among future generations.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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