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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Foster Community Engagement in Sustainable Facility

Author:
Sijia Wu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Foster Community Engagement in Sustainable Facility

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the facility integrates a public garden and educational classrooms to promote community involvement in sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and structural stability.
03
Incorporates a public garden designed specifically for educational workshops.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber panels to reduce carbon footprint and improve insulation.
05
Includes flexible spaces that adapt to varying community activities and events.
The Flowing Box project is an architectural design that integrates a recycling facility with community spaces, situated in a context that promotes sustainability and environmental awareness. The building serves multiple functions, aiming to educate and engage the public in practices associated with the circular economy. The key elements of the design harmoniously blend form with purpose, creating a multifunctional environment that aligns with contemporary architectural principles.

Innovative Use of Space and Materials

This project employs innovative approaches to space utilization, featuring areas dedicated to organic waste treatment, community gathering, educational workshops, and recreational activities. The interior layout includes a community room for events, a children’s classroom focused on sustainability education, and a cultural exhibition area that showcases local heritage. The architectural design promotes interaction, with spaces connected to facilitate movement and enhance community engagement.

The material selection plays a significant role in the building's identity. Recycled materials, wood, and stone are the primary components, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The use of wood not only adds warmth and aesthetic value but also aligns with local practices of using natural materials. Stone elements provide durability and a connection to the regional landscape. The project’s commitment to utilizing recycled materials underscores its dedication to minimizing environmental impact and promoting resource circularity.

Integration of Community and Environment

Flowing Box places a strong emphasis on integrating community needs with environmental functionality. The design incorporates outdoor spaces, such as a roof garden and a public garden focused on organic soil cultivation. These areas are intended for educational purposes as well as recreation, creating opportunities for hands-on learning and community interaction. The children's playground and plant climbing frame are also thoughtfully designed to encourage physical activity and social engagement among users.

What distinguishes this project from typical community centers is the emphasis on interactivity and flexibility. Spaces are designed to be adaptable, enabling a variety of uses depending on community needs. Movable walls and open layouts facilitate the transformation of areas for different purposes, allowing for events, workshops, and spontaneous gatherings.

The architectural design not only serves functional aspects but also evokes a sense of place and identity, fostering an environment where sustainability is a core value. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the building and its functions, reinforcing the project’s educational goals. Through hands-on experiences and visual connections to nature, Flowing Box positions itself as a pivotal site for community involvement and sustainable practices.

For further exploration of the architectural details of the Flowing Box, readers are encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that offer deeper insights into the project’s innovative strategies and thoughtful conceptual framework. The design embodies a forward-thinking approach to architecture and community development.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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