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 Engineered Wood Create a Sense of Community in a Sustainable Gathering Space

Author:
Danica Marinkovic
Charred Wooden Shingles and Engineered Wood Create a Sense of Community in a Sustainable Gathering Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and engineered wood, the design creates an inviting and sustainable gathering space that fosters community connections and cultural activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and visual appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels that optimize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Includes a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while maintaining aesthetic harmony.
04
Utilizes natural ventilation techniques to promote energy efficiency and comfort.
05
Integrates outdoor spaces designed to enhance community interaction and engagement.
The architectural project presented is a thoughtfully designed structure that embodies both functionality and aesthetic coherence within its surrounding environment. The overall concept revolves around the integration of natural elements with modern architectural practices, creating a harmonious space that serves its intended purpose while responding to the local context. This project signifies a careful balance between utility and artistic expression, illustrating how contemporary architecture can accommodate both human and environmental needs.

One of the primary functions of this building is to serve as a community center, designed to foster social interactions and cultural activities. It creates a welcoming environment for gatherings, classes, workshops, and events, enhancing communal relationships and enriching the cultural fabric of the area. This function is reflected in the layout of the interior spaces, which prioritize ease of movement and accessibility while allowing for fluid transitions between different activities. The design promotes flexibility, enabling various configurations to suit diverse groups and events.

The architectural design demonstrates a clear understanding of the site’s unique characteristics, including topography, climate, and surrounding structures. The building’s orientation maximizes natural lighting while providing protection from prevailing winds, contributing to an energy-efficient design. Utilizing local materials not only reinforces its connection to the locality but also reflects a commitment to sustainability. The carefully chosen materials enhance the project's resilience and durability while minimizing its ecological footprint. Specific elements such as timber cladding, concrete, and glass harmonize to create a warm yet contemporary façade that resonates with the site’s aesthetic.

The use of timber offers a tactile quality that softens the overall appearance of the structure, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape. This material, with its rich textures and warmth, invites occupants to engage with their surroundings, both indoors and out. Concrete elements ensure the consistency and stability of the design, creating open, expansive spaces within. Large glass panels are strategically placed to encourage visual connectivity with the exterior environment while allowing abundant natural light to fill the interior. This interplay of materials invites users to experience the building in a multi-sensory manner while remaining conscious of their relationship to the external world.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, specifically in the way spaces are organized. The design incorporates open layouts that promote interaction among users, while intimate gathering areas are nestled within the larger framework to provide a sense of privacy. This thoughtful arrangement facilitates a variety of social interactions, from large community events to smaller, more personal gatherings. The outdoor areas are equally prioritized, including landscaped gardens and terraces that serve as extensions of the interior spaces, allowing occupants to engage with nature directly.

Another notable aspect of this project is its attention to sustainable design principles. Rainwater collection systems, solar panels, and energy-efficient HVAC systems reflect a commitment to reducing the building’s environmental impact. The architectural choices made within this project significantly contribute to its sustainability goals while ensuring that the structure remains functional and inviting for future generations.

This architectural design not only fulfills its functional requirements but also serves as a bridge between the community and the environment, promoting an enriched social experience. The careful combination of materials, careful consideration of spatial layouts, and intentional incorporation of natural elements present a cohesive narrative that aligns with modern architectural practices while remaining sensitive to the local context.

For those interested in delving deeper into various aspects of this architectural endeavor, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and additional architectural designs, a closer examination of the project presentation is encouraged. Engaging with these details will provide enhanced insights into the innovative architectural ideas that drive its design and functionality.
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