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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Transforming Spaces for Community Engagement

Author:
Ignacio Pardo de santayana
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Transforming Spaces for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels define an architectural solution that elegantly integrates with the surrounding landscape while fostering community through versatile spaces dedicated to collaboration and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance weather resistance while providing a unique aesthetic to the façade.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels contribute to rapid construction and sustainable material use.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for natural light penetration and maximizes spatial efficiency.
04
Versatile communal spaces accommodate various activities, promoting engagement and interaction.
05
Landscape integration fosters a seamless connection between the architecture and its natural surroundings.
The architectural project Güebra is a thoughtful exploration of space, community, and sustainability, rooted firmly in its geographical context. This design emphasizes a harmonious relationship between the built environment and its natural surroundings, exhibiting a profound respect for the local topography. The project embodies the concept of a shared habitat, designed with the intention of fostering social interactions while maintaining a sense of privacy for individuals.

At its core, Güebra serves multiple functions that cater to the needs of a community. It offers spaces for co-working, meditation, and exhibitions, providing a versatile environment that encourages creativity and collaboration among its users. The careful organization of these spaces reflects a deep understanding of human scale, where communal areas are balanced with quieter zones to allow for reflection and concentration. This duality supports a vibrant community lifestyle while enhancing individual well-being.

The design of Güebra showcases unique approaches that set it apart in contemporary architecture. The project exhibits a varied volumetric arrangement that adapts to the undulating landscape, allowing the buildings to seamlessly integrate with their surroundings. This approach not only mitigates the visual impact of the architecture but also reinforces a sense of continuity with the natural environment. The dynamic roof profile, for example, harmonizes with the contour lines of the site, echoing the organic forms found in nature and creating a visually coherent relationship within the landscape.

Materiality plays a crucial role in this architectural endeavor. While specific materials are not highlighted, the emphasis likely lies on sustainable and locally sourced options that enhance the project's connection to the community. The thoughtful incorporation of materials such as concrete for structural durability, wood for warmth in interiors, and glass for transparency hints at an intention to achieve both functionality and aesthetic appeal. This blend of materials serves to create inviting spaces that foster social interaction while also prioritizing environmental responsibility.

Güebra's elevation treatment further exemplifies this sensitivity towards its environment. By manipulating solid and void spaces, the designers create a façade that is both visually dynamic and practical. The expansive openings allow natural light to penetrate deep within the interiors, promoting a healthy and uplifting atmosphere for users. This design strategy not only enhances the aesthetic experience but also aligns with principles of sustainability, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and creating a more enjoyable environment.

Another significant aspect of the project is its focus on community engagement. By providing shared spaces for gatherings, workshops, and exhibitions, Güebra acts as a catalyst for cultural enrichment within the village. This emphasis on collective experiences fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens the social fabric of the community. The integration of meditation areas and co-working spaces reflects a commitment to personal and professional growth, catering to a diverse range of needs.

In terms of architectural plans, sections, and designs, Güebra stands as a comprehensive demonstration of how thoughtful design can influence the way people interact with their environment and with one another. The strategic placement of circulation pathways, open staircases, and gathering points adds to the project's overall accessibility, ensuring that all areas are easily navigable. This careful consideration of spatial organization enhances the user experience, making it a welcoming space for all.

Güebra invites observers to consider the importance of architecture in shaping community identity and lifestyle. The design serves not only as a structural entity but as a living organism that breathes life into the local context. It exemplifies how contemporary architecture can address the challenges of modern living while honoring traditional practices and cultural values.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights into this architectural project, a closer examination of the architectural plans, sections, and design elements would be beneficial. Exploring these details will reveal the thought processes and design ideas that underpin Güebra, showcasing its potential to serve as a model for future architectural endeavors within community contexts.
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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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