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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Community Hub

Authors:
Michael Hoehn, Sadie Dempsey
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design emphasizes sustainability while creating a versatile community hub that fosters interaction and environmental stewardship.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and natural light.
04
Includes integrated green walls to improve air quality and biodiversity.
05
Designed with flexible communal areas that adapt to various community events.

Located in an urban context characterized by varying architectural styles, the design aims to establish a harmonious integration with its surroundings while fulfilling specific functional requirements. The project serves as a multifaceted space that accommodates various community activities, promoting engagement through its thoughtfully considered layout and spatial arrangements.

**Spatial Strategy**
The design employs a clear hierarchy of spaces to facilitate movement and interaction among users. Transitional areas are strategically positioned to guide visitors from public zones to more private spaces, enhancing the flow throughout the facility. Open plan designs are balanced with strategically placed partitions, allowing flexibility for diverse gatherings and functions while ensuring a sense of privacy when needed.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
A focus on sustainable materials underpins the construction approach, featuring locally sourced elements that reduce environmental impact and enhance the building's connection to its region. The facade incorporates a combination of natural and recycled materials, aligning aesthetic considerations with ecological responsibility. This choice contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the building, which is designed to maximize natural light and promote ventilation, further emphasizing a commitment to sustainable practices in architecture.

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

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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

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