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 Defining Community Interaction Through Sustainable Living

Authors:
Tanqing Cheng, Xuanzhi Zhang, Kaining Peng
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Defining Community Interaction Through Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design fosters community interaction while offering residents a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability and reduce transportation footprint.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for both aesthetic appeal and improved fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while harmonizing with the natural landscape.
04
Includes green roofs to promote biodiversity and natural insulation.
05
Integrates smart technology for energy management, enhancing efficiency without disrupting design elegance.
The architectural design project under analysis is a comprehensive exploration of modern living, integrating functionality with aesthetics in a contextually responsive manner. The project represents a seamless blend of innovative design principles and practical living requirements, creating an environment that is both inviting and efficient. The architecture serves multiple functions, accommodating residential spaces while fostering community interaction and engagement.

One of the most significant features of this design is its commitment to sustainable practices. The choice of materials reflects a consideration for both longevity and environmental impact. Key materials observed in the project include locally sourced hardwood, recycled metal elements, and energy-efficient glass, each chosen not only for their functional properties but also for their role in reducing the carbon footprint of the structure. The façade exhibits a harmonious interplay between these materials, presenting a contemporary yet warm appearance that resonates well with its surroundings.

The architectural planning is particularly noteworthy, with spatial organization designed to enhance natural light penetration and airflow, thereby minimizing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems. The project utilizes expansive windows that frame views of the exterior landscape while ensuring the interior spaces receive ample daylight. This design strategy not only promotes an energy-efficient environment but also enriches the user experience by creating a direct connection with nature.

Further enriching the architectural concept is the integration of communal spaces within the residential framework. This design approach encourages social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community. Open layouts are skillfully arranged to allow for flexibility in use, accommodating gatherings, activities, and quiet contemplation. These communal areas are characterized by thoughtful landscaping that blurs the lines between the built and natural environments. Terraces, gardens, and green roofs not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the design but also contribute to biodiversity and urban greening efforts.

The project also illustrates a sensitivity to the local cultural context. By referencing traditional building forms and materials, the design respects the historical narrative of the area while pushing towards contemporary standards. The rooflines and textures used evoke a sense of place that aligns with the architectural vernacular of the region. This thoughtful reference to local architecture is evident in the detailing and finishes that echo the historical significance of the community.

Unique design strategies employed in the project include modular elements that allow for future expansion or reconfiguration of spaces, catering to changing needs over time. This adaptability is increasingly vital in contemporary architecture, where the needs of users may evolve. Additionally, the incorporation of smart technology throughout the architecture enhances the functionality of the living spaces, promoting both convenience and energy efficiency.

The interplay between the interior and exterior is another distinct feature of the project. Careful attention has been paid to the transition between these spaces, utilizing wide sliding doors and integrated outdoor living areas that extend the usable space of the home. The design ensures that outdoor areas are not merely afterthoughts but integral components of the overall living experience.

In summary, this architectural design project encapsulates a thoughtful approach to modern living, where sustainability, community, and contextual relevance converge. The meticulous selection of materials and the innovative spatial organization are indicative of a deeper understanding of contemporary architectural needs. Readers interested in further understanding the intricacies of this project are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that reveal the underlying principles and intentions that shaped this unique living environment. Engaging with the project presentation will offer deeper insights into how each element contributes to the overall narrative of the design.
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