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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define a Community Hub for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Linde Van bleyenbergh, Harley Borrell
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define a Community Hub for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Emphasizing sustainability through the use of charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the community hub blends modern aesthetics with environmental considerations to promote social interaction and wellness.
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 integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and space efficiency.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to support landscape irrigation.
05
Designed with flexible communal spaces to encourage diverse community activities.

The architectural design project under analysis presents a carefully crafted environment that harmonizes functionality with aesthetic principles. This project encompasses a multifaceted approach, aimed at fulfilling specific user needs while respecting the surrounding environment. It serves as a public space, facilitating community interaction and offering amenities that cater to diverse groups. The design incorporates both indoor and outdoor elements, creating a seamless flow between the built environment and nature.

The architectural layout exhibits a thoughtful organization of spaces, including communal areas, recreational facilities, and zones designated for quiet reflection. The integration of natural light through strategically placed windows and skylights enhances the interior atmosphere, promoting a sense of openness and connection to the outside world. The project signifies an intention to foster community engagement, providing areas where social activities can thrive alongside individual pursuits.

Unique Design Approaches

What sets this project apart from others is its innovative approach to sustainability and materiality. The design incorporates locally sourced materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact while supporting regional economies. Key materials include sustainable timber, recycled concrete, and glass, which collectively contribute to the project’s durability and energy efficiency. The use of green roofs and living walls not only enhances the building's aesthetics but also serves as biophilic elements that improve air quality and biodiversity in the area.

Additionally, the architectural design embraces advanced technologies in energy management, featuring solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. These elements reflect a commitment to reducing the building's carbon footprint. The project also emphasizes accessibility, integrating universal design principles to ensure that all areas of the facility are usable by individuals of varying abilities.

Spatial Organization and Flow

The spatial organization responds effectively to the needs of various user groups. Open floor plans are complemented by flexible spaces that can be adapted for different activities, from workshops to public gatherings. Circulation pathways are clearly defined yet fluid, guiding visitors intuitively through the project while allowing for spontaneous interactions. Outdoor spaces include landscaped gardens and plazas, promoting both leisure and community events.

Interior spaces are designed to be multifunctional, allowing for dynamic use without compromising comfort. The choice of finishes and fixtures further reflects the overall design ethos, with an emphasis on simplicity and durability. Acoustic treatment is integrated into design considerations, ensuring that spaces for dialogue and quiet reflection coexist without interference.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed architectural plans, sections, and design insights. These elements provide a deeper appreciation of the thought processes and architectural ideas that shaped the design and functionality of this impactful space.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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