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 Connection in Sustainable Design

Author:
Benjamin Hafner
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Community Connection in Sustainable Design

Project in-detail

With charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels that seamlessly blend sustainability with aesthetic appeal, the design fosters community interaction while providing versatile spaces for gathering and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof to enhance insulation and promote biodiversity.
02
Features extensive use of locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.
03
Utilizes passive solar design principles to maximize natural light and heat efficiency.
04
Includes a multifunctional outdoor space designed for community gatherings and events.
05
Integrates water-efficient landscaping to reduce reliance on irrigation systems.
The project presents a thoughtful integration of architecture with its surrounding landscape, showcasing a design that emphasizes sustainability while enhancing the user experience. The architectural vision is clearly articulated throughout the various elements, creating a harmonious relationship between the building and its environment. The design reflects an understanding of local cultural contexts and environmental conditions, which is fundamental for ensuring the functionality and longevity of the structure.

Functionally, this project serves multiple purposes, accommodating both community and individual needs. It integrates public spaces that encourage interaction while providing private areas for contemplation. The layout is meticulously designed to guide movement through the space, facilitating both social gatherings and quiet solitude. The balance between these elements is pivotal, as it allows the architecture to cater to diverse activities, enhancing the sense of community while respecting individual privacy.

Key details of the design include the use of natural materials that resonate with the local surroundings. The combination of timber, stone, and glass is employed not just for aesthetic qualities but also for practical reasons, such as insulation and durability. The timber provides warmth and a tactile quality, the stone establishes a sense of permanence, and the glass blurs the boundaries between inside and outside, inviting natural light and offering vistas of the landscape. This approach reflects a commitment to sustainability and a preference for materials that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally responsible.

Unique design approaches include the incorporation of passive solar principles, which optimize energy efficiency throughout the building's life cycle. Strategic placement of windows and overhangs is designed to maximize natural light and heat during the winter months while minimizing it in the summer, enhancing the building's performance without reliance on mechanical systems. Additionally, green roof systems are utilized, promoting biodiversity while further insulating the structure. These features support broader goals of sustainability within architectural design, illustrating the project’s dedication to ecological responsibility.

Another significant aspect of the project is its landscaping integration. The outdoor spaces are designed to be as functional and pleasing as the interiors, with pathways that encourage exploration and natural gathering spaces outfitted with seating and plantings. This relationship with the landscape not only beautifies the area but also fosters a sense of connection with nature, enhancing the wellness of the occupants.

The overall architectural design reflects an ethos that prioritizes human experience, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Each choice, from the material selection to the spatial arrangements, serves to reinforce the core values embedded within the project. The careful consideration of form and function creates an impactful design that stands as a model for future developments.

For those interested in exploring the nuances of this architectural project, a deeper dive into the architectural plans, sections, and various design elements will offer greater insights into the vision behind the work. Engaging with these materials will enrich understanding and appreciation of the thoughtful approach that has shaped this project, underscoring the importance of integrating architecture within its broader environmental and social contexts.
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