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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form Sustainable Community Hub

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Form Sustainable Community Hub
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a resource-efficient hub that fosters community engagement and supports sustainable practices through dedicated workshops and exchange spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles are used for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
The structure incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient load-bearing.
03
A bent A-frame design allows for increased interior volume and natural light.
04
Dedicated spaces for material exchange encourage community collaboration.
05
Sustainable features include rainwater harvesting integrated into the design.

### Overview

The Upcycling Hub is located in an urban setting, designed to foster a culture of circularity and sustainability. It aims to provide a physical space for collaborative workshops, resource management, and educational initiatives that enhance community interaction. The design emphasizes adaptive reuse, transforming how communities engage with their resources and promoting environmental stewardship.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The facility's layout is strategically organized to optimize workflow and user accessibility. Designated zones for various material categories—such as glass, metal, wood, and ceramics—facilitate efficient upcycling processes. Community spaces, including meeting rooms, workshops, and social areas, encourage interaction and collaborative learning. Specialized laboratories for research and material experimentation further enhance the hub's role as an incubator for innovation, while the marketplace allows for the exchange and trade of materials, reinforcing economic sustainability within the community.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Features

The Upcycling Hub employs a diverse range of materials, each chosen for its sustainability and functional benefits. Wood serves as a renewable structural element, while expansive glass windows promote natural light and visual connectivity. Durability and flexibility are provided by metal components, and ceramics engage users through hands-on activities. The integration of upcycled materials throughout the design underlines the commitment to circular principles. Eco-friendly systems, including rainwater harvesting and solar panels, are incorporated to further enhance sustainability efforts. Surrounding outdoor gardens serve both as educational resources for sustainable gardening and as tranquil spaces for reflection within the urban environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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