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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Atriums in A Multifunctional Community Hub

Author:
Wael Elgendy
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Atriums in A Multifunctional Community Hub

Project in-detail

Showcasing charred wooden shingles and expansive glass panels, the design creates a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and sustainability, serving as a vibrant community hub for diverse gatherings and interactions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a distinct bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space and natural light.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to provide a sustainable structural solution.
04
Integrates landscaped outdoor terraces that promote biodiversity and community engagement.
05
Designed with a focus on passive solar strategies to optimize energy efficiency.
The architectural project in question represents a thoughtful fusion of innovative design and functional space, constructed with the intent to serve both the immediate community and the environment. This project is a reflection of contemporary architectural practices, emphasizing sustainability, user experience, and contextual relevance. The design articulates a narrative that speaks to the values of modern living while honoring the site’s historical and cultural significance.

The project functions primarily as a multifunctional community hub, offering spaces for collaboration, leisure, and social interaction. It is designed to accommodate a variety of activities, from formal gatherings to casual meetings, thereby promoting a sense of community engagement. Key areas are dedicated to public amenities, including a library, art exhibition space, and open gathering areas that encourage congregation and exchange among diverse groups of people.

One of the most prominent aspects of the design is its spatial organization, which ensures a seamless flow between different functions. The entrance is welcoming, providing clear sightlines into the main atrium, where natural light floods the interior. This openness is a deliberate strategy to create an inviting atmosphere, contrasting with the more private areas designated for quieter activities. This careful zoning allows users to choose their level of engagement, fostering inclusivity.

In terms of materiality, the project employs a range of sustainable materials that contribute to its aesthetic and functional objectives. Concrete forms the basis of the structural framework, providing durability and resilience. The use of large glass panels throughout not only enhances visibility but also allows sunlight to penetrate deep within the interior spaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The incorporation of timber elements adds warmth to the overall design, creating an inviting ambiance. By selecting materials that are both locally sourced and renewable, the project asserts its commitment to environmental responsibility while promoting regional craftsmanship.

Unique design approaches are evident in the integration of green spaces within and around the building. The project includes strategically placed gardens and planted terraces that enhance biodiversity and improve the overall microclimate. These spaces not only serve as aesthetic enhancements but also as functional landscapes that provide opportunities for urban agriculture and relaxation, yielding benefits such as improved air quality and stress reduction for visitors.

The architectural design also responds to climate considerations, employing passive solar strategies to maintain comfortable indoor environments. The orientation of the building and the placement of overhangs serve to minimize heat gain in the summer while maximizing sunlight exposure in winter, thus reducing energy consumption. This is complemented by advanced insulation materials that further enhance energy efficiency.

Attention to detail is paramount throughout the project. Features such as custom handrails, thoughtfully designed furniture, and integrated technology demonstrate a comprehensive approach to user experience. The interplay between indoor and outdoor space is also carefully considered, with sliding glass doors that create a seamless transition to exterior patios and gardens, blurring the boundaries between inside and out.

In summary, this architectural project exemplifies a design ethos that prioritizes functionality, sustainability, and community well-being. Through its careful configuration of space, selection of materials, and thoughtful engagement with the environment, it establishes an important dialogue between architecture and its users. For more insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that shaped this project, consider exploring the project presentation in detail, which highlights the intricacies of the design process and its outcomes. Your engagement with the presentation will provide a deeper understanding of how these elements come together to create a meaningful architectural contribution.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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