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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define an Eco-Friendly Community Shelter

Authors:
Carlos Garcia, Alejandro Franco, Santiago Salgado
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define an Eco-Friendly Community Shelter

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the structure serves as a sustainable community shelter that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates natural ventilation through strategically placed openings.
02
Utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize carbon footprint.
03
Features an elevated platform to address flood risks.
04
Incorporates multi-functional spaces for diverse community activities.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to enhance structural strength and aesthetic appeal.
The CANOPY project is an architectural initiative that emphasizes the reinterpretation of roofing as a vital element in architectural design, merging functionality with cultural context. By situating itself within the landscape, the project seeks to redefine shelter, fostering connections between structure and environment. The design operates on principles of sustainability and adaptability, responding effectively to various climatic conditions while ensuring comfort and usability for its inhabitants.

The primary function of the CANOPY is to provide a flexible living space that accommodates both communal and private activities. The internal layout supports multi-use areas, allowing for gatherings and personal retreats within a cohesive design. The structure’s innovative roof design is not merely a protective layer; it functions as an active participant in the environmental interaction, echoing the form and function of natural canopies found in forested areas.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the defining features of the CANOPY project is its approach to materiality. The structure incorporates locally sourced materials, which not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance cultural relevance. The use of wood, natural fiber textiles, glass, and concrete creates a tactile and visual dialogue with the environment, reinforcing the architectural concept of belonging and permanence in the landscape.

The geometric forms utilized in the structure—primarily organic, flowing shapes—distinguish it from traditional architectural styles. The patterns mimic the interlacing branches of trees, promoting a sense of connectivity to nature. Additionally, the design incorporates raised platforms that respond to the particular challenges posed by the regional climate, such as flooding. This strategic elevation facilitates water management while providing a unique vantage point for residents.

Architectural Details and Functional Aspects

The project includes a range of architectural details that enhance its overall functionality and user experience. Spatial arrangements prioritize natural light, utilizing expansive glass panels that blur the line between indoor and outdoor environments. This not only allows daylight to permeate but also encourages engagement with the surrounding landscape.

Furthermore, the structure's design addresses thermal comfort through thoughtful integration of overhangs and shading devices, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining pleasant indoor conditions. The open floor plan circulates air effectively, contributing to a healthier living environment.

For those interested in a comprehensive understanding of the CANOPY project, examining the architectural plans, sections, and designs will offer deeper insights into the structural and aesthetic choices that define this initiative. Exploring these architectural ideas reveals the underlying principles that influence the project's development.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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