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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Envelop a Community-Focused Space

Author:
Tzu Chi Chiu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Envelop a Community-Focused Space
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Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber create a harmonious blend of natural aesthetics and functionality in a community space designed for storytelling and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while providing a distinct visual texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer both structural strength and aesthetic warmth.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light penetration and views.
04
Dedicated storytelling areas cater specifically to community engagement and children’s activities.
05
Integrated landscaping seamlessly connects the building with its natural surroundings.

### Overview
Located in Tainan, Taiwan, the project "You Were" is designed as a communal space that fosters interaction and engagement with both the environment and community. The intent is to create an urban refuge that encourages contemplation and participation, integrating built structures with natural landscapes. This design addresses themes of memory and spirituality, aiming to function as a narrative space where users can connect with one another.

### Spatial Strategy
The structure is organized over multiple levels, with a ground floor that establishes a dialogue between the internal areas and the external environment. Specific zones within the building serve distinct purposes: a storytelling area encourages communal engagement, therapy rooms provide a tranquil setting for individual reflection, and gathering spaces promote collaboration and family interaction. The design includes a bridge that enhances vertical and horizontal relationships, facilitating movement and encouraging a playful atmosphere.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection is key to establishing a connection with the surrounding nature and supporting the sustainability goals of the project. Wood is utilized to create inviting spaces, while extensive use of glass allows for ample natural light and a blurred distinction between indoor and outdoor environments. Concrete provides structural support, treated to maintain a soft aesthetic, complemented by stone paths that enhance the natural landscape. The project prioritizes long-lasting materials with minimal environmental impact, balancing aesthetic considerations with ecological responsibility.

The landscape design integrates existing flora into the overall narrative, creating a central garden space that serves as a focal point, merging structured design elements with the surrounding natural features. Such integration promotes a dynamic interaction between the architecture and the landscape, enhancing the user experience while encouraging respect for the natural environment.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

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Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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