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 Transforming Sustainable Community Spaces

Author:
Jessica Bernges
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Transforming Sustainable Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design creates a seamless interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering community engagement within its educational framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates an innovative bent A-frame structure, enhancing both aesthetics and structural integrity.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used not only for protection but also as a sustainable design feature, promoting durability and low maintenance.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed to create expansive open spaces, significantly reducing the need for internal columns.
04
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the architecture, showcasing a commitment to resource sustainability and management.
05
Native landscaping surrounds the building, reinforcing ecological harmony and reducing water usage for maintenance.
The architectural design project under analysis presents a thoughtfully conceived structure that integrates function, aesthetics, and context. Located in a setting characterized by natural beauty and cultural significance, this project not only serves its intended purpose but also contributes meaningfully to the surrounding environment. The design encapsulates a harmonious blend of modern architectural techniques and materials while addressing the needs of its users.

At its core, the project is designed to facilitate a specific function, whether it's residential, educational, or communal. The layout is meticulously organized to ensure fluid movement throughout the space, promoting interaction and engagement among users. Open-plan areas are skillfully incorporated, fostering a sense of community while also providing intimate spaces for privacy. Natural light is harnessed effectively through strategic window placements and the implementation of skylights, which imbue the interior spaces with warmth and vitality.

The architectural design is characterized by its careful consideration of materiality. A palette of locally sourced materials reinforces the connection to its environment and promotes sustainability. Elements such as timber, stone, glass, and steel are utilized, each carefully selected for their aesthetic and functional properties. The timber not only adds warmth to the interiors but also serves as a reminder of the local landscape, while the stone facades reflect a sense of permanence and stability. Glass is employed to create transparency, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside, and enhancing the users’ connection to the natural surroundings. The steel structural elements provide the necessary support while allowing for open spaces and expansive views.

Notably, the design approach demonstrates a commitment to sustainability. The integration of green roofs and walls, alongside efficient insulation strategies, minimizes the building's carbon footprint and enhances energy efficiency. Rainwater harvesting systems are also included, demonstrating an awareness of resource management and ecological responsibility. This approach not only meets current environmental standards but also sets a precedent for future architectural projects.

The roof design is a central architectural feature that complements the overall aesthetic while providing functional benefits. Its sloped surfaces are not merely decorative; they play a critical role in rainwater management and are designed to optimize solar gain. This attention to detail shows a sophisticated understanding of climatic influences on architecture, enhancing both performance and comfort for the users.

Moreover, the landscape surrounding the structure has been meticulously crafted to create a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor environments. Pathways, gardens, and seating areas invite people to explore and engage with the space. The careful selection of native plant species not only enhances local biodiversity but also reduces the need for extensive irrigation, further embedding sustainability into the project’s design ethos.

In examining the architectural plans and sections, one can appreciate the careful thought that has gone into every detail of the design. The interplay of volumes, light, and materials reveals an architectural language that is both coherent and expressive. Each space is crafted with consideration for how users will interact with their environment, creating an experience that is both functional and enriching.

This project stands out not only for its commitment to functionality and sustainability but also for its thoughtful integration within the landscape and community. It reflects an architectural philosophy that respects local traditions while embracing contemporary practices. The result is a space that feels grounded in its location yet innovative in its execution.

To further explore the nuances of this project, including its architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, the presentation on this project provides an in-depth look at what makes it noteworthy. Engaging with these materials will enhance your understanding of the architectural thinking and strategies that have shaped this impactful design.
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