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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Elevate a Community's Connection to Nature

Authors:
Toby Mcelwaine, Jarrod Malbon, Dominic Tanaka van de ven
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Elevate a Community's Connection to Nature

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles and large glass facades that harmonize with the surrounding landscape, this residential community fosters both privacy and connectivity among its inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and weather resistance while adding aesthetic texture.
02
Features expansive glass facades to optimize natural light and create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity while promoting sustainability through renewable materials.
04
Includes communal terraces designed to encourage social interaction among residents and foster a sense of community.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design that not only provides distinctive architectural character but also improves spatial efficiency.
The architectural design project in question embodies a contemporary approach to residential living, thoughtfully combining functionality and aesthetic appeal while reflecting a strong commitment to community engagement. Situated within a serene landscape, the project integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings, providing residents with both private and communal spaces that promote interaction and well-being.

At its core, this project represents a synthesis of modern architecture and sustainable design principles. It serves as a multi-functional residential facility that not only accommodates diverse family structures but also fosters a sense of belonging among its inhabitants. The design emphasizes a balance between personal privacy and community connectivity, ensuring that residents can enjoy tranquil living environments while having access to shared amenities that encourage social interaction.

The architectural layout is carefully organized, delineating private living spaces from communal areas. This spatial arrangement maximizes accessibility and flow, allowing residents to transition easily between private areas and shared facilities such as recreational spaces and communal balconies. This integration cultivates opportunities for social engagement, encouraging residents to connect and participate in a vibrant community life.

Materials play a crucial role in the project’s overall design and functionality. The use of concrete for structural components provides durability and stability, while expansive glass surfaces enhance natural light penetration, contributing to an inviting atmosphere. The warmth of wood is incorporated in both flooring and furniture, creating a cozy and welcoming interior that contrasts with the sleekness of concrete and glass. Steel is utilized in the structural framework, allowing for the creation of open, flexible spaces that can adapt to varied uses, while aluminum detailing contributes to the modern finish of the building's exterior.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in the integration of green spaces and sustainable features. The inclusion of green roofs and landscaped terraces not only enhances visual appeal but also promotes biodiversity and contributes to environmental sustainability. These features serve to mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve the overall microclimate of the area. Additionally, the design incorporates shading devices and natural ventilation systems to reduce reliance on mechanical heating and cooling, demonstrating a clear commitment to energy efficiency.

The project’s aesthetic is modern yet approachable, characterized by horizontal lines and a balanced facade that evokes a sense of harmony with the landscape. Large windows not only provide panoramic views of the surroundings but also help to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, reinforcing the connection to nature that is central to the design concept. Through the careful arrangement and detailing of these elements, the architecture communicates a sense of place and identity, contributing to a cohesive community fabric.

Overall, this architectural design project represents a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture that prioritizes sustainability, community, and modern living. It offers an engaging environment for its residents while being a functional part of the broader urban landscape. For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this project, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that inform its development, a thorough examination of the project presentation is highly encouraged. Such insights can enhance understanding of the design's intentions and the innovative approaches employed throughout.
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MICROHOME
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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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