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 Enveloping a Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Brian Richter
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enveloping a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Embracing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, this community hub harmoniously integrates sustainable materials with modern design to foster interaction and connectivity among its inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a hybrid structure combining cross-laminated timber with traditional materials for enhanced durability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles that provide both aesthetic appeal and fire resistance.
03
Integrates biophilic design elements to promote natural interactions within the space.
04
Employs passive design strategies to optimize energy efficiency throughout the year.
05
Utilizes local materials to minimize environmental impact and support regional craftsmanship.
The architectural project under analysis represents a thoughtful exploration of space, functionality, and aesthetic resonance within its given context. It serves a specific function that aligns with the needs of its users while responding to the surrounding environment. The design demonstrates an intent to merge utility with artistic expression, highlighting a balanced approach that is evident throughout the project.

From the outset, the architectural design embodies a clear conceptual vision, where every element has been purposefully orchestrated to support not just the aesthetic appeal but also the practical demands of the space. The project incorporates a series of interconnected spaces that facilitate interaction and movement, promoting a sense of community among its inhabitants. This focus on connectivity is achieved through strategic placements of openings and volumes, allowing natural light to permeate the interior while simultaneously framing picturesque views of the external landscape.

Materiality plays a pivotal role in the overall composition of the project. A selection of materials, including concrete, steel, glass, and wood, has been utilized to not only enhance the structural integrity but also to evoke a warm, inviting atmosphere. The use of concrete offers durability while exhibiting a refined surface that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of wooden accents, fostering a harmonious balance between the industrial and the organic. Large expanses of glass create transparency, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, further enhancing the project's connection to its environment.

The facades are characterized by clean lines and a thoughtful rhythm, reflecting a modern aesthetic while being sensitive to the architectural traditions of the region. The careful consideration of proportions and scale imbues the design with a sense of harmony, ensuring that it does not overpower the surrounding landscape but instead complements it. Landscaping has been integrated into the design, featuring native vegetation that enhances biodiversity and creates a seamless transition between the built form and its natural surroundings.

In discussing unique design approaches, it is important to note the project’s emphasis on sustainability, which manifests in various ways. Passive design strategies have been employed, such as orientation and shading devices, that optimize energy efficiency and enhance comfort without compromising on design intent. The choice of renewable materials and implementation of water management techniques exemplify a commitment to ecological responsibility, showcasing an understanding of the broader implications of the architectural practice.

Furthermore, the interior spaces have been meticulously planned to serve their intended functions, reflecting an understanding of human behavior and experience. The layout promotes flexibility and adaptability, catering to the changing needs of its users. Spaces are designed to encourage interaction and collaboration, making them conducive to a variety of activities from quiet reflection to lively gatherings.

This project is a noteworthy example of contemporary architecture that respects its context while pushing forward with innovative design solutions. The balance of functionality and artistry, combined with a commitment to sustainability, positions this project as a valuable addition to the architectural landscape. The integration of thoughtful material choices and spatial arrangements not only meets the practical needs of its users but also fosters an environment that cultivates well-being.

Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation to explore architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas that provide a fuller understanding of the design's intricacies and the underlying principles that shaped its development. Engaging with these elements can offer valuable insights into how architecture can respond to both human and environmental needs in meaningful ways.
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