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 Define a New Approach to Sustainable Living

Authors:
Anna Yablochnikova, Hira Fayyaz
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define a New Approach to Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design embodies sustainability while providing a welcoming community space that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade features charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used throughout, offering sustainable structural support.
03
The design incorporates a bent A-frame structure, allowing for dynamic interior spaces.
04
Natural ventilation systems are integrated, promoting airflow and reducing energy consumption.
05
Landscaping uses native plants, enhancing biodiversity and minimizing water usage.
The architectural project under consideration is a thoughtful exploration of contemporary design principles, located in a vibrant setting that enhances its functional and aesthetic attributes. This project represents an innovative approach to modern architecture, emphasizing sustainability, community engagement, and the harmonious integration of natural landscapes within its design. At its core, the project serves multiple functions, including residential, commercial, or public spaces, depending on its specific programmatic requirements. This versatility is one of the key aspects that reinforces its relevance in today’s architectural discourse.

The overall design embodies a commitment to creating spaces that not only meet the needs of the occupants but also foster a sense of connection to the environment. The layout is strategically organized to encourage interaction and facilitate movement throughout the site. Large expanses of glass create fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing natural light to permeate deep into the interiors while offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The thoughtful positioning of windows and balconies reflects a deliberate attempt to engage with the environment, providing users with opportunities to appreciate nature.

The material palette selected for the project plays a crucial role in its identity. By incorporating materials such as glass, concrete, wood, and steel, the design achieves a balance between aesthetics and function. Glass façades enhance transparency, contributing to a sense of openness and inviting the exterior into the interior. Concrete provides structural resilience while maintaining a modern appeal, often used in exposed forms that highlight its raw texture and strength. Wood elements, used for cladding or inside finishes, introduce warmth and a touch of nature indoors, further blurring the lines between the built environment and the natural world. Steel is employed in the framework to ensure durability and support the creative forms of the architecture.

Several unique design approaches distinguish this project from typical architectural designs. For example, the incorporation of sustainable building practices speaks to a growing awareness of environmental responsibility in contemporary architecture. Energy-efficient systems, such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting mechanisms, have been integrated into the design, underscoring the commitment to reducing the building's ecological footprint. Additionally, passive design strategies that harness natural ventilation and optimize thermal performance contribute to overall energy efficiency.

Another notable aspect of the project is its attention to landscape integration. The design incorporates landscaping that enhances biodiversity, using native plants that require less maintenance and water. This not only supports the local ecosystem but also creates visually appealing outdoor spaces for users to enjoy. Features such as gardens, terraces, and communal areas enhance the overall user experience, promoting a lifestyle that encourages outdoor interaction and community gathering.

The project is characterized by innovative architectural features that promote functionality and user engagement. Multi-functional spaces allow for adaptability, catering to various activities throughout the day. The design incorporates elements such as flexible walls and modular furniture that can be easily reconfigured, reflecting a modern approach to living and working in dynamic environments. Moreover, there is a conscious effort to incorporate technology into the building, providing smart systems that enhance comfort and efficiency.

Moreover, the architectural language employed in the project communicates a contemporary aesthetic while respecting the character of its surroundings. The careful selection of forms and materials reflects an understanding of the local context, creating a dialogue between the new and the established. This sensitivity to place is essential in grounding the design within its environment, ensuring that it not only stands out but also contributes positively to the neighborhood fabric.

In summary, this architectural project exemplifies a well-considered balance of form, function, and sustainability. The emphasis on natural materials, innovative design solutions, and community-oriented spaces creates a design that is both practical and aesthetically appealing. For more detailed insights, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, where they can examine architectural plans, architectural sections, and intricate architectural designs that further illustrate the architectural ideas that shaped this impressive work. Engaging with these elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s significance and the thoughtful considerations that underpin its realization.
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