Get inspired!

17,725 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 Urban Community Spaces

Author:
Jae min Yang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Enhance Urban Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design harmoniously integrates sustainable materials to create versatile community spaces that foster social interaction in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable and efficient construction.
03
Features integrated green roofs to improve insulation and promote biodiversity.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
05
Includes modular community spaces adaptable for various social functions.

The project under analysis exemplifies contemporary architectural design, strategically situated in an urban environment. This structure serves as a multi-purpose facility, integrating residential units, commercial spaces, and community areas. The design aims to foster social interaction while maintaining individual privacy, reflecting current trends in urban living.

The building features a distinctive façade composed of a combination of glass, concrete, and steel, which harmoniously integrates modern aesthetic values with practical functionality. The use of large glass panels allows natural light to penetrate deep into the interior, enhancing the overall user experience. The concrete structure provides durability and a sense of solidity, while the steel elements contribute to the architectural framework, ensuring stability and structural integrity.

Unique Architectural Features
The design's unique character emerges from its modular approach, which allows for flexible spatial configurations. This adaptability enables various uses of the spaces, accommodating changing needs over time. The integration of green terraces and shared outdoor spaces enhances communal living, promoting environmental sustainability and social engagement among residents. Furthermore, strategic placement of openings in the façade facilitates cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial climate control systems.

Sustainability plays a central role in this project. The incorporation of green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting further emphasizes the commitment to eco-friendly practices. The choice of materials is intentional, utilizing locally sourced products where feasible, thereby minimizing transportation emissions and supporting regional economies.

Innovative Design Strategies
The project employs innovative design strategies that enhance its functionality and user experience. The inclusion of smart technology within the building systems allows for energy monitoring and automated control, promoting operational efficiency. Additionally, the careful zoning of public and private spaces ensures that residents can enjoy their privacy while still having access to communal areas.

The architectural plans reveal a deliberate focus on maximizing usable space without compromising aesthetic appeal. The creative design of balconies and terraces encourages outdoor living, further blurring the line between indoor and outdoor environments.

For a deeper understanding of the intricacies of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation. By examining these elements, one can gain insights into the architectural ideas that form the foundation of this innovative design.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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