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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Defining Community Spaces in a Versatile Building

Authors:
Ziqi Wang, Hui Ching Tang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Defining Community Spaces in a Versatile Building

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels creating a warm and inviting façade, this versatile community hub enhances its urban environment while providing flexible spaces for social interaction and collaboration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a distinctive aesthetic.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to enhance spatial dynamics and visual interest.
04
Features extensive natural ventilation strategies to promote indoor air quality.
05
Integrates native landscaping to support biodiversity and reduce maintenance.
The project represents a thoughtful integration of functionality and contemporary architectural expression, situated within an urban context that necessitates both innovation and respect for the surrounding environment. At its core, the design focuses on providing adaptable spaces that can serve various functions, aligning with the evolving needs of its users while ensuring a harmonious relationship with the site.

The architectural design employs a careful selection of materials, which reflects a commitment to sustainability and durability. Commonly used materials in this project include reinforced concrete, steel framing, glass facades, and sustainable timber elements. Each of these materials has been chosen not only for their aesthetic values but also for their performance characteristics. The use of glass allows for ample natural light to permeate the space, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere that enhances the user experience. The timber elements add warmth and texture, fostering a sense of comfort and connection to nature.

This project intends to serve multiple functions, incorporating spaces for communal interaction, private work, and leisure. The layout is designed around a central atrium, promoting accessibility and encouraging informal gatherings, which is essential for fostering a sense of community among users. The careful arrangement of different zones allows for a smooth flow between various functions, accommodating both individual workstations and collaborative areas seamlessly.

One of the unique aspects of this architectural design lies in its approach to sustainability. The project makes use of passive design strategies, including natural ventilation, strategic sun shading, and rainwater harvesting systems. By incorporating these elements, the project not only reduces its environmental impact but also enhances its resilience against climate fluctuations. This emphasis on sustainability resonates with current architectural ideas aimed at creating structures that are not only functional but also responsive to ecological demands.

Moreover, the design showcases a modern interpretation of local architectural traditions, employing materials and forms that echo the surrounding context. This conscious decision to integrate traditional elements within a contemporary framework honors the cultural heritage of the area while appealing to modern sensibilities. The resulting design is both familiar and refreshing, establishing a dialogue between the old and the new.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the project, from the thoughtfully designed entrances to the carefully landscaped surroundings. The outdoor spaces complement the architectural form, offering areas for relaxation and social interaction that extend the building's usable area. Landscaping features native plant species, reducing water consumption while enhancing biodiversity and contributing to the local ecosystem.

The architectural plans illustrate the project’s functional layout, clearly defining the relationship between spaces and their respective uses. Architectural sections provide insights into the building’s form and scale, showcasing how the structure interacts with its environment. These visual representations are critical to understanding the architectural ideas that underpin the design, revealing a project that is as much about the user experience as it is about aesthetic appeal.

In essence, this architectural project is a reflection of contemporary design thinking, emphasizing flexibility, sustainability, and community. It embodies a response to modern challenges while incorporating timeless elements that resonate with users and the environment alike. Readers interested in exploring the details of this project should delve into the architectural designs and review the architectural sections and plans for a deeper understanding of the innovative approaches that have shaped this remarkable endeavor.
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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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