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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Shape A Community-Centric Spiral Village

Authors:
Yago Simal barreiro, Giulia De pasquale, Jose luis Herrero, Victor Criado
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Shape A Community-Centric Spiral Village

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber within a thoughtfully designed spiral layout, the development facilitates an engaging community environment that prioritizes sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a spiral layout to enhance community connectivity.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels to increase structural efficiency.
04
Integrates native landscaping that supports local biodiversity.
05
Design emphasizes transparency with large glass elements for natural light.
The "Open Happiness" project is an architectural endeavor located in Castro Branco, Portugal. This project emphasizes sustainable community living and is designed around the concept of a Spiral Ecological Village. It combines modern architectural principles with ecological awareness, addressing the need for community-centric spaces that foster social interaction while respecting the environment. The layout features two prominent structural volumes that diverge from a spiral formation, creating an inviting atmosphere that promotes connectivity and engagement among residents.

Unique Spatial Organization
One of the primary elements of the design is its innovative spatial organization. The spiral configuration guides movement through the village, seamlessly connecting private living quarters with communal areas. This arrangement provides differentiated spaces suitable for various activities, ranging from communal gatherings to quiet retreats. The central area acts as a social hub, instrumental for interactions and civic engagement. The thoughtful separation of public and private zones ensures that residents have opportunities for solitude without isolation.

Sustainable Design Principles
The project incorporates sustainable design principles through material selection and landscape integration. Utilization of locally sourced materials, such as stone, timber, and thatch, aligns with eco-friendly practices and reduces the carbon footprint. These materials complement the natural landscape, enhancing visual connectivity between the built environment and its surroundings. The design encourages biodiversity by incorporating native plants, which further supports the ecological integrity of the area.

The emphasis on transparency through large glass openings fosters a responsive environment that invites natural light and views of the landscape, enhancing residents' well-being. By employing these sustainable tactics, the design showcases a commitment to environmental responsibility while serving its function as a community-focused architecture project.

To gain a deeper understanding of the "Open Happiness" project, including architectural plans, sections, and specific design ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This will provide valuable insights into the innovative approaches taken to create a sustainable and engaging community environment.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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