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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Sustainable Community Retreat

Authors:
Hsin-yin Tu, Chu-yun Cheng
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shape a Sustainable Community Retreat

Project in-detail

Using charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a harmonious blend of modern sustainability and local craftsmanship, offering a welcoming community space that prioritizes interaction and connection.
5 key facts about this project
01
The use of charred wooden shingles provides both a distinctive aesthetic and enhanced weather resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer superior structural strength while reducing construction waste.
03
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and allows for unique ceiling heights.
04
Outdoor terraces integrate native landscaping, promoting biodiversity and natural habitat preservation.
05
Flexible interior layouts accommodate a variety of community activities and user needs.
The architectural project at hand exemplifies a modern response to contemporary living needs while thoughtfully engaging with its surrounding environment. This design serves multiple functions, integrating residential, communal, and natural elements into a cohesive structure that reflects both usability and aesthetic sensibility. The project highlights how architecture can facilitate a harmonious relationship between individuals and their environment, emphasizing the importance of contextual awareness in design.

At the core of this project is a commitment to sustainability and a consideration for local climate and geography. Each decision made during the design process underscores a dedication to creating spaces that are not only functional but also environmentally conscious. The use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, and glass, reinforces this commitment, promoting an earthy palette that connects the building to its landscape. The choice of materials also ensures durability and low maintenance, aligning with practical living.

The architectural design comprises various distinct yet interconnected areas which cater to the diverse needs of its occupants. Living spaces are open and inviting, encouraging interaction and a sense of community among residents. Large windows and strategically placed openings allow natural light to flood the interior, enhancing the quality of the living environment. This emphasis on natural illumination not only reduces reliance on artificial lighting but also fosters a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Functionally, common areas are designed to promote social interaction while offering flexibility for various activities. The kitchen serves as a central hub, designed not only for cooking but as a gathering space that encourages collaboration and connection. Outdoor spaces, such as terraces and gardens, create additional areas for recreation and relaxation, seamlessly integrating the building with the landscape. This outdoor access not only enhances the livability of the project but also supports local biodiversity, creating habitats for various plant and animal species.

A noteworthy aspect of the project is its unique design approach that emphasizes adaptability. The flexible layout allows for modification as needs change over time. This future-oriented thinking reflects an understanding of how lifestyle trends evolve and the necessity for spaces that can accommodate different uses without requiring extensive renovations. Such adaptability positions the project as a forward-thinking solution in a world where our living patterns continually shift.

Moreover, the architectural design pays special attention to the surrounding environment, ensuring that the project does not impose but rather complements the landscape. This is achieved through the careful consideration of sightlines, topography, and existing vegetation. The integration of landscaping elements such as native plants enhances the aesthetic appeal while reducing the need for irrigation systems, further underscoring the project’s sustainable ethos.

In reflecting upon the design and its implications, it is evident that this project serves as a model for contemporary architecture. Its thoughtful balance between form and function, as well as its responsiveness to environmental concerns, articulates a vision for the future of design. The project stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to improve lives while respecting the planet.

To truly appreciate the nuances of this project, it is beneficial for readers to delve into various elements of its composition. Exploring architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will provide deeper insights into the decisions that define this work. The architectural ideas embedded within this project reveal not just a functional space but a living environment attuned to the needs of its users and the world around it. Engaging with the project's presentation offers a comprehensive understanding that highlights the thoughtful integration of all these design elements.
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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
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