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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Engaging Digital Living Spaces

Author:
Junseok Kim
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Define Engaging Digital Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this innovative digital living space redefines community engagement by offering flexible virtual environments tailored for seamless social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for efficient construction and sustainability.
03
Features a flexible modular layout allowing for personalization based on user needs.
04
Designed as a digital ecosystem that promotes social interaction and community building.
05
Emphasizes seamless integration of virtual elements to create engaging living environments.
The Met-a-partment project represents a significant exploration of virtual living spaces within the emerging metaverse, offering a unique reinvention of how architecture can interact with users in digital contexts. This project illustrates the transition from traditional architectural constraints to an expansive, adaptable architectural framework that caters to the evolving needs of contemporary society. By utilizing digital technology, the design encapsulates a vision of living that emphasizes community, flexibility, and personal expression.

The primary function of the Met-a-partment is not merely to provide a virtual home but to create a social ecosystem where interaction and connectivity thrive. The design focuses on two key areas: the Work Room and the Living Room. The Work Room acts as a gateway for users, functioning as a communal space for engagement and networking. It is designed to facilitate connections, making it a central hub for different individuals to gather. Meanwhile, the Living Room serves a dual purpose by offering both a space for social interaction and a refuge for privacy, enabling users to engage meaningfully while still enjoying their personal sanctuary.

A pivotal aspect of the Met-a-partment is its modular composition, consisting of interconnected units or homes tailored to various user profiles. The categories include the Citizen Home, Broadcaster Home, and Artist Home, each reflecting distinct features and functionalities that cater to different lifestyles. This modular approach speaks to the flexibility of virtual spaces, allowing users to select, combine, and customize layouts according to their preferences, which is a stark contrast to the rigid dimensions of physical architecture.

Visually, the Met-a-partment utilizes a vibrant and immersive aesthetic to engage users. The design elements include a mix of vivid colors and digital textures that evoke a sense of otherworldliness while remaining rooted in the practicalities of virtual interaction. The seamless integration of social media icons throughout the environment symbolizes the interconnectedness of digital communication, enhancing the role of the space as a social hub.

In terms of materiality, although the design exists in a digital realm, it is characterized by a thoughtful selection of virtual materials that simulate reality. These materials incorporate a blend of conceptual textures and visual metaphors that transcend traditional building materials, focusing instead on elements that facilitate interaction and connectivity within a digital environment.

Unique design approaches within the Met-a-partment encompass principles of adaptability and user-centered design. The project emphasizes that spaces can be fluid, allowing users to reshape their environments based on personal and communal needs. This focus on user experience is paramount, as it acknowledges the importance of creating spaces that resonate with individual identities while fostering a sense of community.

The Met-a-partment is an innovative example of architecture designed for the digital age, encouraging a deeper understanding of how virtual spaces can be structured. For those interested in exploring this project further, it is beneficial to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that accompany this proposal. These elements provide additional insights into the intentions behind each design choice and illustrate the comprehensive thought process that went into creating this virtual architectural concept.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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