Get inspired!

16,544 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 Panels Create Inviting Community Hub

Authors:
charlie doman-lees, Adam J Cross
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create Inviting Community Hub

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design embodies a seamless blend of sustainability and modernity, creating a vibrant community hub that fosters connection and engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to enhance natural light and optimize interior space.
02
Incorporates locally sourced charred wooden shingles for a distinctive aesthetic and added durability.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that provide structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
04
The layout includes multifunctional spaces that adapt to community needs, fostering interaction and engagement.
05
Integrates green roofs that contribute to biodiversity and improve energy efficiency within the building.
The project presents a thoughtful exploration of architectural design, seamlessly integrating functionality with aesthetic appeal. Situated in a location characterized by its particular cultural and environmental nuances, the architecture reflects a conscious effort to resonate with the surrounding context. From its conceptual inception to its material execution, this design embodies a harmonious balance of form, function, and place.

The project's primary function serves both as a communal hub and a functional space, signaling its role as a center for gathering and interaction. This duality not only enhances its usability but also encourages a sense of belonging among users. The layout is strategically designed to facilitate movement and flow, ensuring that individuals can navigate the interior comfortably while engaging with various spaces. This consideration emphasizes the importance of user experience in architectural practice.

At first glance, the design showcases a unique façade that employs a combination of materials, including locally sourced stone, glass, and wood. The choice of these elements is deliberate, aiming to create a tactile connection between the building and its environment. The textured stone offers a grounding presence, while expansive glass sections provide transparency, inviting light and blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This interplay of materials not only enhances the visual interest but also addresses the practical aspects of durability and maintenance, crucial for a structure meant to serve the community.

The building's roof design is particularly noteworthy, featuring an innovative approach that maximizes natural light while ensuring energy efficiency. By incorporating overhangs and skylights, the architecture allows for optimal solar gain during the winter months while minimizing heat during the summer. The passive design strategies present in the project intrigue any observer, showcasing a modern understanding of sustainable architecture.

Inside, the layout is characterized by open, multifunctional spaces that can be adapted for various uses. This flexibility is a key element of contemporary architectural thought, responding to the evolving needs of users. Each space is crafted with care, emphasizing natural light and ventilation, which contribute to a pleasant and healthy indoor environment. Careful attention to acoustics also enhances the experience, allowing for both quiet reflection and lively interaction within the same setting.

The architectural details are thoughtfully considered, featuring bespoke elements that highlight craftsmanship and attention to local building practices. For example, the interior finishes often reflect local traditions, providing a culturally relevant context that enriches the overall narrative of the project. This emphasis on detail fosters a connection between the building and its occupants, reminding them of the rich cultural heritage of the area.

One particularly unique aspect of the design is its incorporation of green spaces, both within and surrounding the building. These areas not only serve as break-out spaces for users but also contribute to biodiversity and ecological sustainability. By integrating nature into the architectural framework, the design promotes a seamless transition between built and natural environments. This feature resonates with the increasing demand for architecture that champions environmental stewardship and promotes wellness.

The project stands as a testament to modern architectural ideas while remaining respectful of traditional values. It demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance quality of life, foster community interactions, and respond to local environmental conditions. Each element of the design is carefully curated to create a cohesive whole, inviting users to engage with the architecture in a meaningful way.

In exploring the architectural plans and sections, one can gain a deeper insight into the design's underlying philosophy and practical application. The meticulous attention to detail found in the architectural designs reflects a commitment to achieving a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional performance. As the project continues to evolve within its community, it becomes an integral part of the landscape, inviting further exploration and appreciation from all who encounter it. Those interested in delving deeper into the nuances of this architectural endeavor are encouraged to review the various elements that contribute to its thoughtful presentation, making it an excellent case study for contemporary architecture.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 16544 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