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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades in a Sustainable Urban Community Hub

Author:
Yuchen Ge
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Facades in a Sustainable Urban Community Hub

Project in-detail

With its charred wooden shingles seamlessly merging with expansive glass facades, the design creates a harmonious balance between natural materials and modern aesthetics, serving as a vital community hub in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to reduce overall carbon footprint.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural integrity and aesthetics.
04
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system to promote sustainable water management.
05
Includes outdoor communal spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement.
The project presents an intriguing exploration of modern architecture, characterized by a thoughtful integration of function and form. Situated in a carefully selected location that benefits from both urban connectivity and natural scenic views, this design aims to serve as a versatile space for its users while enhancing the surrounding environment.

At its core, the project represents a commitment to sustainable design and community engagement. By prioritizing environmental considerations, the architecture not only meets the needs of its occupants but also strives to minimize its ecological footprint. This dual focus—on function and sustainability—stands as a hallmark of contemporary architectural practice.

The building's functional layout has been meticulously planned to accommodate a variety of activities, making it a hub for both private gatherings and public events. Open spaces flow seamlessly into one another, fostering a sense of connection while allowing diverse uses. Each area has been designed with specific user interactions in mind, whether through quiet corners for contemplation or spacious communal areas facilitating group activities.

The design incorporates a careful selection of materials that further enhance its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Concrete forms the structural backbone, providing durability and strength. This is complemented by warm wooden elements, which add texture and a sense of intimacy to the interior, counteracting the often cold feeling associated with concrete structures. Expansive glass surfaces are strategically placed to invite natural light in, creating bright and airy spaces and allowing occupants to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Steel is also included in the construction, providing robust support while contributing to the modern character of the architecture.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project. The facade, for instance, is thoughtfully articulated to respond to the environment while also embracing sustainability. Features like solar shading devices and green roofs not only enhance energy efficiency but also integrate the building harmoniously with its landscape, encouraging biodiversity and managing rainwater runoff effectively. The roof design is particularly noteworthy, incorporating both aesthetic and functional elements that promote energy efficiency while adding a distinctive character to the overall silhouette of the building.

Special attention has also been paid to the interactive spaces within the project. These areas are designed to promote social interaction and community bonding, with several shared terraces and gardens that encourage occupants to engage with each other as well as with nature. The incorporation of outdoor spaces serves as a vital link between the architecture and its surroundings, promoting a lifestyle that embraces the outdoors.

In summary, this project exemplifies a modern approach to architecture, merging aesthetic considerations with practicality and sustainability. It successfully creates an environment that is conducive to various activities while remaining sensitive to its ecological context. The design is a testament to how thoughtful architectural decisions can influence not only the functionality of a space but also the quality of life of its users. To gain deeper insights into this remarkable project, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans and sections, as well as the overall architectural designs and ideas that shaped this influential work. Observing these elements will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the architectural intent and the innovative principles at play.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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