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 Enhance Community-Centric Spaces

Author:
Zala Marinčič
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community-Centric Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design promotes environmental sensitivity while creating inviting spaces for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
A bent A-frame design optimizes spatial efficiency while creating distinctive visual lines.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are used to achieve both structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.
04
Natural light is maximized through large windows and strategically placed skylights.
05
Sustainable landscaping integrates native plants to support local biodiversity and reduce maintenance.
The architectural project presented here explores a seamless integration of structure and environment, specifically designed to serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. The project exemplifies modern architectural practices while paying homage to traditional design principles. The overall concept is a response to its geographical context, considering local climate, culture, and the surrounding landscape, which informs its material choices and spatial configurations.

At its core, the architecture of this project prioritizes sustainability and user experience. The design includes multiple areas that encourage social interaction, reinforcing community bonds among its users. Public and private zones are carefully defined, allowing for flexibility in usage while ensuring accessibility. The layout fosters an intuitive flow, guiding occupants through spaces that are both inviting and purposeful.

One of the most notable aspects of this project is its emphasis on natural light and ventilation. Large windows and strategically placed skylights not only illuminate interior spaces but also enhance energy efficiency. The use of glass integrates the indoor and outdoor environments, creating a sense of continuity between the built structure and the exterior landscape. This connection to nature is further emphasized by the inclusion of green spaces, which not only serve aesthetic purposes but promote biodiversity and encourage outdoor activities.

The material palette chosen for the project plays an essential role in expressing its identity. Key materials include reinforced concrete, sustainable timber, and high-performance glass. The concrete provides structural integrity and a sense of permanence, while the timber adds warmth and texture to the overall design. High-performance glass is utilized to optimize energy efficiency and ensure that the building remains comfortable for its occupants throughout the seasons. These materials work together to create a harmonious balance between modernity and tradition.

Architectural details throughout the project showcase meticulous craftsmanship. Elements such as custom joinery and thoughtful landscaping contribute to a refined and cohesive appearance. The attention to detail is evident in the integration of functionality and form, ensuring that every aspect of the design serves an intentional purpose while being visually cohesive.

The project also addresses contemporary design challenges, such as urban density and sustainability. By prioritizing a compact footprint, the design minimizes its impact on the environment while maximizing usable space. This approach is particularly relevant in urban areas struggling with space constraints.

Unique design approaches, such as modular construction techniques and adaptive reuse strategies, allow for flexibility in future modifications and cater to evolving community needs. This forward-thinking perspective is integral to the project’s sustainability ethos, ensuring that the architecture can adapt over time without compromising its integrity.

This architectural project is not just a space to inhabit; it reflects a deeper understanding of the relationship between people, built environments, and nature. Its innovative approach to design demonstrates a commitment to improving the quality of life for its users while being sensitive to the environmental context. To explore the intricacies of this project further, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation for a richer understanding of its unique architectural ideas and their implications.
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