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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Featuring a Multi-Functional Urban Haven

Author:
Jake R Davis
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Featuring a Multi-Functional Urban Haven

Project in-detail

Crafted with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass, this multi-functional urban haven seamlessly integrates nature and community engagement to create vibrant spaces for social interaction and learning.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes innovative cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and aesthetic warmth.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles, providing natural durability and a unique textural contrast.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and creates dynamic interior spaces.
04
Integrates extensive green roofs to foster biodiversity and improve energy efficiency.
05
Employs local materials to strengthen community ties and minimize environmental impact.
The project represents a quintessential exploration of modern architectural design, seamlessly merging functionality with aesthetic appeal. Located in a vibrant urban setting, this architecture embodies a thoughtful response to its context, addressing both the needs of its users and the characteristics of the surrounding environment. The design is centered on creating spaces that are not only visually inviting but also cater to community engagement and sustainability.

At its core, this project serves as a multi-functional facility designed to accommodate various activities, thus enhancing its utility within the community. Through its innovative layout, the design fosters collaboration and interaction, enabling individuals to connect with one another while also providing areas for reflection and solitude. The internal organization of the space is carefully considered, with fluid transitions between different zones, allowing for both public and private interactions. This emphasis on connectivity enhances the overall user experience and underscores the importance of social space in contemporary architecture.

The exterior architecture is characterized by its thoughtful material selection which plays a key role in defining the building's identity. The use of sustainable materials not only contributes to the aesthetic value but also highlights the commitment to eco-friendly practices. A combination of textured concrete and warm natural wood creates a tactile contrast, inviting approachability while ensuring durability. Large expanses of glass allow natural light to permeate the interior spaces, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and bridging the indoor environment with the outdoor landscape.

One of the unique design approaches of this project is its integration of green spaces which serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. Roof gardens and exterior terraces not only provide additional areas for recreation but also support biodiversity and contribute to the building’s passive heating and cooling systems. This biophilic design not only enhances the user experience by connecting occupants with nature, but also promotes a healthier environment both inside and outside the structure.

Furthermore, the façade of the building is designed to respond to the local climate through the strategic use of shading devices which mitigate solar gain while allowing adequate daylight. This intelligent response to environmental factors is a hallmark of contemporary architectural thought, reflecting a broader movement toward sustainable architecture. The building is not merely reactive to its surroundings but is an active participant, harmonizing with the landscape and climate to create a space that works with nature rather than against it.

The project also embodies a novel approach to public spaces through the incorporation of flexible areas that can adapt to a variety of uses. These multipurpose spaces allow for community events and gatherings while providing a canvas for local artists and cultural displays, thus fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community. By being designed as a space that encourages diverse activities, the project effectively enriches the social fabric of the neighborhood.

Additionally, the attention to detail in elements such as lighting, furniture, and signage contributes to the cohesive identity of the project. The choice of furnishings complements the overall aesthetic, ensuring that each component is harmonized to enhance the functionality and comfort of the space. Thoughtful design choices resonate throughout, creating an environment that feels curated and welcoming.

As a whole, this architectural endeavor represents a progressive vision that aligns with contemporary urban needs, striving to create spaces that are not only functional but also cultivate community interaction and environmental responsibility. The design serves as an inspiration for future architectural ideas and practices, demonstrating how thoughtful design can positively impact urban life. For those interested in delving deeper into this project, exploring its architectural plans, architectural sections, and further architectural designs will yield a richer understanding of the innovative concepts at play. Engaging with these elements offers invaluable insights into the careful planning and creative thought that have shaped this modern achievement in architecture.
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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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