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 Shape a Community Hub that Embraces Nature

Authors:
Alessandro Carlodalatri, Francesco Cavaterra
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Shape a Community Hub that Embraces Nature

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, the design embodies a seamless integration with its surroundings while serving as a vibrant community hub for social interaction and cultural exchange.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and visual texture.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for dynamic interior spaces and improved acoustics.
04
Integrates natural light through strategically placed skylights and large windows, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
05
Emphasizes local craftsmanship by sourcing materials from nearby artisans, fostering community connections.
The project at hand is an exemplary representation of contemporary architecture, embodying a cohesive blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental sensitivity. The architectural design prioritizes user experience while considering its surrounding context, showcasing a thoughtful approach to space and materiality. It serves as a multi-purpose facility that integrates various functions, catering to community needs and providing a hub for social interaction, cultural engagement, and sustainable living.

At the heart of this architectural endeavor is a commitment to sustainability. The project utilizes local materials, reducing transportation impact while supporting regional craftsmanship. Elements such as reclaimed wood, recycled aluminum, and natural stone are thoughtfully employed throughout the design. These materials not only enhance the building's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its overall sustainability goals, fostering a connection between the structure and its environment. The careful selection of materials reflects an understanding of durability and maintenance, ensuring that the facility remains resilient over time while minimizing ecological footprints.

The design features an open floor plan which fosters a sense of flow and accessibility, allowing for flexible usage of spaces. The interior layout is characterized by adaptable areas that can be repurposed for different activities, such as community gatherings, educational workshops, and cultural events. This versatility enhances the building's functionality and makes it a valuable asset to the community, promoting social cohesion and inclusivity.

From an architectural standpoint, the project employs a unique design language that marries simplicity with elegance. Clean lines and a harmonious color palette create a calming atmosphere, inviting occupants to engage with their surroundings. Strategic placements of windows and skylights significantly enhance natural lighting, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and creating a more inviting environment. This focus on light not only energizes the interior spaces but also strengthens the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments, allowing nature to become an integral part of the overall design.

Significant attention is given to landscaping within and around the project. The integration of green spaces serves multiple purposes, including ecological benefits, aesthetic value, and improved air quality. Outdoor gathering areas are designed to encourage interaction among users, featuring seating arrangements and gardens that serve as extensions of the interior spaces. Such design choices reflect a holistic approach to architecture, prioritizing not just the structural elements but also the quality of life experienced by inhabitants and visitors alike.

One of the hallmark features of the project lies in its emphasis on community engagement and cultural expression. Spaces are curated to accommodate local art and installations, providing platform opportunities for artists and craftsmen while enhancing the local cultural narrative. This attention to community heritage within the design resonates with both residents and visitors, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and pride in the space.

Moreover, innovative technology has been integrated seamlessly into the building, ranging from energy-efficient heating and cooling systems to smart lighting controls, all designed to enhance the user experience while optimizing energy performance. Such advancements demonstrate the project’s alignment with modern architectural trends that prioritize smart design and efficiency in building operations.

Overall, this architectural project stands as a significant contribution to its geographical context, representing a thoughtful intersection of design, functionality, and sustainability. Its unique attributes, from the adaptive use of spaces to the deliberate selection of materials, exemplify a commitment to not only meet but exceed the needs of its community. As such, the design offers a model for future architectural endeavors that strive to harmonize with their environment and cater meaningfully to the people they serve.

For more insights into this project, including detailed architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. Engaging with the architectural designs and ideas will provide a deeper understanding of the creative process and intentions behind this thoughtful architectural endeavor.
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